Part of Your World by Karen Witemeyer

Part of Your World (Once upon a Time in Texas)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Hope & Light Publishing
Publication Date: June 10, 2026

Description from the publisher:
She saved him from the sea. He awakened her heart. Now a villainous scheme threatens to destroy them both.
Seawater runs through Muriel Quinn's veins-a fact that has long concerned her father, who longs for his youngest daughter to abandon the waves and embrace the respectable life expected of a grown woman. Yet even when banished from her beloved sea, Muriel feels its pull upon her soul. Drawn to the shore, she witnesses a boating accident and dives in to save a man from drowning. As she brings him back from the brink of death, a dream stirs to life in her heart.
Despite his family's wealth and social standing, Zane Erickson pursues a career in architecture, having no interest in cementing a match with any of the bridal candidates his mother foists upon him. Until a mysterious beauty saves his life and vanishes before he can learn her name. Determined to find her, he is stunned when the matchmaker his mother hired arrives with the very woman who has haunted his dreams. But he soon learns there are darker forces than romance at work in this meeting.
Entangled in a blackmail scheme that grows more deceitful and dangerous by the day, Zane and Muriel must fight not only for their love, but for the lives of those they hold dear.

My Review:
This is such a clever, touching retelling of The Little Mermaid! I love how Karen Witemeyer had so many nods to the Disney movie while also making it very much her own story. I actually preferred this plot to the Disney movie; having Zane immediately recognize Muriel allowed them to actively team up against their blackmailer, which kept the pacing fast and engaging (and made the story about so much more than whether he would ever figure out who she is). I also found the setting to be really interesting and well-written--with details about bathing suits and architecture of the day. 

Zane is totally adorable, while Muriel is relatable--she had a bit of growing to do but also had a kind heart. Their chemistry feels natural and grounded. 

I loved the hymns woven into the story, as well the strong faith elements focusing on relying on God, seeking His will, and finding redemption in Him.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves clean, faith-based romance and creative fairy tale retellings!

4.5 stars!

I read a DRC provided by the author. All opinions are my own. 

To Love a Beast in Texas by Karen Witemeyer

To Love a Beast in Texas (Once Upon a Time in Texas #1)
By Karen Witemeyer
Publication date: June 10, 2025

Description from the Publisher:
Beauty & the Beast in 1800's Texas.
Once known among New York's elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family's book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin's staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor's remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

My Review:
I love fairy tale retellings, but with so many out there, sometimes they get repetitive--so I was very pleased to find so many unique elements in this one! While there were definite nods to the beloved Disney version (I love the staff's names, for example!), there were so many things that really made this story stand out--such as how Everett became a "beast," why Callista encounters Everett, and what the villain's motivations were. I was hooked from the start and thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. I especially appreciated seeing into Everett and Callista and what made each of them act as they did.

5 stars!

I read an ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

Cloaked in Beauty (Texas Ever After #3)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House

Description from the Publisher:
Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.
Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

My Review:
I enjoyed this book so much! Philip and Letty are such likable characters--good, practical people who don't play games but are honest about their feelings. I like how they were both strong and could work together and rely on each other; Letty took the lead sometimes and Philip did at others.
I also loved the Christian themes; the characters' faith was truly part of their lives and they trusted in the Lord to help them and guide them.
While I really enjoyed the characters, the plot was a bit less interesting to me. The threat was off-screen for so much of the book (we don't really see Letty's uncle much) and thenwhen it was front and center, it all got resolved fairly quickly. I also felt like Philip's legitimate concern about why he and Letty might not have a future together got resolved perhaps a bit too easily (or quickly, in terms of pages in the book)--but I really appreciated the problem was NOT have the stereotypical "I'm not good enough for her because she's so wealthy" theme. Still, the sweet romance, the great characters, and the inspiring messages make this an excellent book.

4.5 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

If the Boot Fits (Texas Ever After #2) by Karen Witemeyer

If the Boot Fits (Texas Ever After #2)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: March 12, 2024

Description from the Publisher
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars' ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

My Review:
Oh, man, there's just so much to like about this book! Where to even start?!
Genre--I sometimes find I like the idea of fairy tale retellings better than the execution, but I love this one. There were some really cool nods to the original story along with awesome twists and changes (like a male Cinderella character losing his boot and the stepmother being an absolute sweetheart) that really fleshed out a great story and fixed some of the stupider moments of the original. For example, I've always found it rather ridiculous that Prince Charming supposedly danced with Cinderella long enough to fall in love with her but had to rely on a shoe to find her. Did he not get a look at her FACE? Could he not provide some sort of a description?) So, I loved the fact that our leading lady really didn't get a look at her mystery man's face and relying on the boot to ID him made a lot more sense. I can't say too much without giving away a really great scene, but I also love how the boot was incorporated at the end! It was so much fun to read that scene!
Characters--they are awesome! I loved reading about Asher and Samantha, both with concerns about their families and their futures as well asking questions about their pasts and regrets about things they didn't realize sooner. I also really liked seeing their growing feelings for each other--they were pretty fast but also felt legitimate to me. Their family members--from a misunderstood father to adorable little brothers to a wise aunt to a loving stepmother--also stole my heart.
Plot--there was a lot going, with someone trying to kill Samantha, her finding out a lot about her deceased mother's past, Asher trying to keep her safe, etc. So it was a bit of a whirlwind but I enjoyed the whole thing. I kept sneaking back to this one to get in a few more pages!
Setting--Texas might not be at the top of the list for likely locations for a fairy tale, but I really liked the western setting and all the details of ranch life.
Tone--there's a lot of serious stuff going on, but there was a great balance of lighthearted moments, too. I loved the messages of faith throughout the story.
So, obviously, I'm a big fan of this book! It was a lot of fun to read and I've gotta snag the audio version as soon as I can to give it a listen as well!
5 stars and one of my picks for the best of 2024.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After #1) by Karen Witemeyer

Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After #1)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House

Synopsis (provided by the publisher):
Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.
After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.
With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus's heart divines a different truth--one that might just get Penelope killed.
An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.

My Review: 

I love fairy tale retellings, and even though I’m not a Snow White fan in general, I had no doubt Karen Witemeyer would write a story I adored—and I was right. The characters are fantastic, the plot is interesting, and the writing kept me grinning. 

In some versions of Snow White, the main character seems pretty bland and passive, but I loved Penelope. She’s just GOOD. She’s cheerful and just keeps working hard, hoping for the best. I think it can be easy to dismiss characters like her as being simple or unrealistic, but I really liked her. She reminds me of me ten-year-old daughter—just a sweetheart who keeps going and tries to stay positive. So, I really liked Penelope even if I myself might be a little more like Jeb (more about him in a minute…) 

As for Titus....oh, boy! He's a terrific leading man. His backstory was interesting and made his determination to do his duty toward Penelope but not get involved realistic--and that made it all the more fun to see him falling for her and his growth along the way. 

Now, the "dwarves." In most versions of Snow White I've seen or read, they're not really that interesting. In this book, they are a HOOT. I loved them. They kept me laughing. They're all wonderful, although I'm a little partial to Jeb, the "Grumpy" character. (If I believed in reincarnation, I’d believe I’d been a grumpy old man in another life or be aiming to be one in a future life, because I just relate to them so well! Haha!) 

The plot was really interesting! There's a little bit of mystery and danger (totally fitting for the wild Texas setting!) Seeing some scene's from the POV of Narcissa (the evil queen) and what made her tick was neat; she's not a good person but seeing what made her tick and getting a glimpse of why she did the things she did added some depth to her character. 

I liked the scriptures and messages of faith throughout the story as well. I really enjoyed seeing how Titus and Penelope relied on their faith, thought about their feelings toward God, etc. Their reflection and growth on their journey was totally believable and resonated with me because of how I try to rely on my faith in God in my own life. 

From the opening page to the last, I found this book to be engrossing, entertaining, and just terrific! 5 stars--and one of my picks for the best of 2023!

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Beguiled (The Fairest Maidens #2)

Beguiled (The Fairest Maidens #2)

By Jody Hedlund

Published by Northern Lights Press

Publication Date: October 20th, 2020

Description:

Princess Pearl flees for her life after her mother, Queen Margery, tries to have her killed during a hunting expedition. Pearl finds refuge on the Isle of Outcasts among criminals and misfits, disguising her face with a veil so no one recognizes her. She lives for the day when she can return to Warwick and rescue her sister, Ruby, from the queen’s clutches.

 Amidst his royal testing on the Isle of Outcasts, Prince Mikkel of Scania has kept his identity a secret. Captured by a warring band of outcasts and condemned to die, he finds himself making friends with an intriguing but feisty young veiled woman. Intending to win her trust and gain her help to escape, he soon finds himself coerced to wed her.

Mikkel reluctantly agrees to the union to save his life, and Pearl hopes the marriage will provide protection for her and Ruby. But the queen is more determined to kill her daughter than either Pearl or Mikkel realizes and has a sinister reason neither expects—one that could rip their new love apart forever. 

Review:

Another great novel from Jody Hedlund! Snow White has never been one of my favorite fairy tales, but I found this retelling to be captivating. I've always thought of Snow White as kind of bland--pretty and kind but bland nonetheless. Well, Pearl is awesome--she's determined and fierce, a fighter who will do anything she can to protect those she loves. I also really liked how she wanted to find someone to love her because of who she is and not what she looks like. Mikkel was a great character as well; he irritated me sometimes at the beginning (he definitely had some growing to do), but he had a good heart, and I appreciated the moments of self-reflection and how he grew throughout the story. I also really liked how he and Pearl had a good friendship. With terrific characters, fast-paced action, a great message about caring about more than outward appearances, and of course, the romance, this book is a lot of fun to read and will appeal to lots of readers. 

4.5 stars. 

I read an ARC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts (Steampunk Proper Romance #4)
By Nancy Campbell
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: August 4, 2020

Description:
Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland. But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community. As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland. Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

Review:
This series has been so interesting--with the unique world, the romance, the fairy tale elements, and more. I enjoyed the plot of this book and found Emme's work for the slighted and feared populations to be particularly compelling. I enjoyed the romance, too, and seeing how Emme and Oliver went from being enemies to falling in love. There were some elements that felt rushed, but all in all, this was another fun book from Nancy Campbell Allen.
 As a side note, I'm NOT a steampunk fan; I don't particularly dislike it, but I would never seek out a book simply because it was steampunk. For others who may not be steampunk fans, be reassured that the unique setting doesn't overpower the rest of the elements of the story.
3.5 stars.
 I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Piper's Pursuit

The Piper's Pursuit (Hagenheim #10)
By Melanie Dickerson
Published by Thomas Nelson

Katerina's beloved town, Hamlin, has been infested with rats--but even worse, dozens of children have gone missing and a beast has been spotted near town. Determined to slay the beast, Kat ignores the jibes from her stepfather, Hennek, who, despite having the townspeople duped into believing he is a good man, is nothing of the sort. When Lord Steffan, son of the Duke of Hagenheim, arrives in town and says he wants to slay the beast as well, Kat wants him to leave. She doesn't trust men--and especially not him. But he persists in following her as she hunts the beast, and Katerina soon finds that she might have to reevaluate her opinions of him and that his help might be just what she needs to save her town--and herself--once and for all.

This book was engrossing right from the beginning; it just totally pulled me. in. I didn't expect that since the story of the Pied Piper isn't exactly one of my favorites, but this was so well written. I loved tough, defensive Katerina and her determination to help her town be rid of the beast and to find the missing children. I also loved Steffan, who is struggling with his past and looking for redemption. The plot moved along quickly and was really interesting, and I enjoyed seeing the characters' growth throughout the story. This was just a pleasure to read!
4.5 stars.
 *Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Orphan's Wish

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

Aladdin escaped a merciless master who forced him to steal, when a Priest took him back home to Hagenheim. There, he lives in an orphanage but has the opportunity to receive an education--and to he meets Lady Kirstyn, the daughter of the duke of Hagenheim. They quickly become friends. As they grow older, though, Aladdin comes to realize that he doesn't want the position offered to him--to be a steward to the duke. He wants to make his fortune and, even it's a long shot, become worthy to ask for Kirstyn's hand in marriage. He leaves Hagenheim, and he does manage to find his place in the world--but before he can see if Kirstyn might care for him as he cares for her, Kirstyn is kidnapped, and Aladdin doesn't know if he'll ever see her again.

I've read all of Melanie Dickerson's books, and while there are others that I like more, I still enjoyed this newest addition to the Hagenheim series. It started out a little slower for me than some of the others and didn't hook me quite as fast as some of her others, but I think that's definitely due to my own personality and preferences (I'm pretty feisty and feel a natural connection with characters who are pretty spirited, whereas Kirstyn and Aladdin are more sweet and kind than spirited.) That said, they are both lovable characters, always trying to help others and caring about each other so much. Aladdin's worries about not being good enough and wanting to appear as perfect as possible to others was realistically developed, as was Kirstyn's sense of being overlooked within her large family (although I wish the resolution of those feelings had been shown more strongly--and acknowledged by her family), and I think those feelings of insecurity and wondering if one matters will resonate with lots of readers.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series--a retelling of Mulan!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4 stars.

Grump

Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff

Most dwarves want nothing to do with the Surface or with humans--they love their lives deep underground, where they work in teams to mine. Borlen, however, is born near the Surface, rather than deep down like most dwarves, and as a result, he can't stand depths and can't rid himself of the desire to see the Surface and all the wonders that are above ground.
Borlen's parents help him to join a mining crew, hoping that will help him to find his place among the dwarves. He doesn't fit in, though, and soon earns the nickname "Grump." One day, Grump finally has the chance to go to the Surface and he takes it--and soon finds himself embroiled in a mess.

Being a bit grumpy myself, I loved the chance to read Grump's version of the Snow White story. This story was so much fun to read; now I'm going to have to go read the author's other books. Totally great choice for fans of middle grade fantasy, fairy tale retellings, and awesome books!

4.5 stars.

I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Cinder

Cinder
By Marissa Meyer
Feiwel & Friends, 2012. 390 pgs/540 mins. Teen fiction

In a future world, Earth, after the Fourth World War, has been divided into five nations. While they haven't had any more wars with each other, they are constantly threatened by the Lunars, the people who live on the moon, and for many years, a horrific, incurable plague has been killing off many of Earth's citizens. Cinder, has the misfortune of being a cyborg and being hated by her stepmother, is the best mechanic in New Beijing, and Prince Kai comes into have her fix an android. As she hides her identity as a cyborg from him, Cinder and Kai begin to develop a friendship. At the same time, however, Cinder's stepsister, Pearl, who is Cinder's only human friend, catches the plague. Cinder is "volunteered" as a research subject for doctors to study the plague. However, it turns out that Cinder isn't an ordinary cyborg, and she isn't who she thought she was--and her true identity is something that could quickly get her killed if anyone finds out the truth.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about a science fiction retelling of a fairy tale; it seemed like an odd combination. It turned out to be pretty awesome, actually. Cinder is a wonderful protagonist; I love cheering for the underdog and watching her try to deal with who she is and how to free herself from a pretty miserable existence. The developing romance between Kai doesn't get as far in this book as readers might like, but it leaves us something to hope for in subsequent books in the series. There's kind of a lot going on with the plot, but Meyer did a great job weaving all of the plot lines together. Highly enjoyable and an easy recommendation. I listened to the audiobook, and I recommend that as well.

4.5 stars. Clean read.

Princess Ben

Princess Ben
By Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Brilliance Audio, 2008. 7 hours. Teen fiction

Princess Benevolence, or Ben for short, is the niece of the king, and as he and his wife have not produced an heir, she, after her father, is next in line for the throne. When Ben’s mother and uncle are killed and her father lost after a brutal attack, Ben is set to be her country’s next leader. Her aunt, the Queen Sophia, rules as regent until Ben reaches her majority, and seems cruel, evil, and utterly disappointed with Ben’s failures to act as Sophia sees is becoming for her country’s next queen. When she is locked in a tower, Ben finds an entrance to a room where she learns magic, and, once she has mastered a few spells, she attempts to save her kingdom from their neighboring kingdom, a ruthless country that has always wanted their land.

I listened to the CD version, read by the author, and while I didn’t always like her reading of it, it was satisfactory. I like how Ben is not the typical princess—she’s chubby, doesn’t like needlework or courtly duties, and has grown up somewhat distance from castle life. I didn’t necessarily find the romantic aspect of the story believable (I wasn’t sold on Ben’s attraction to her suitor, nor his for her), but as far as fairy tales go, it was enjoyable.

3.5 stars. Clean read.

The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy
By Polly Shuman
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010. 325 pgs. Teen fiction

Elizabeth gets a job as a page at the New York Circulating Material Repository where patrons can check out items such as fondue sets, parasols, or shoes. The Repository has special collections, though, including the Grimm collection, which features magical items featured in the Grimm brothers' fairy tales--and someone is stealing these items. One page has gone missing, and a giant bird seems to be following another. Elizabeth and her fellow pages try to figure out who the thief is but soon find themselves in over their heads.

The idea of a circulating repository of magical items was just to fun to pass up, and readers will be satisfied with the book. While it's not exactly a fairy tale itself, fairy tale standards such as magic, romance, and a quest are all present in this story. A great pick for teen girls, I give this one 4 stars.