Welcome to my tour stop! This author's last series were based on fairy tales as is
this first book in her new series. Find my review and the tour giveaway below...
To Love a Beast
(Once Upon a Time in Texas #1)
By Karen Witemeyer
Christian Historical Romance, Western, Fairy Tale Retelling
Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 217 Pages
June 3, 2025 by Hope & Light Publishing
Summary
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.
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My Review
TO LOVE A BEAST is about a woman trying to fulfill a business obligation with her father injured and unable to, and the man she works for who society shunned who hides himself away. The story follows the overall arch of the original fairy tale while the author also makes this her own with some key differences and a few twists and turns. Christian readers should enjoy this retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in historical Texas.
I've been a fan of this author and fairy tales for a very long time. I enjoyed If the Boot Fits, also a fairy tale retelling from this author, and was hoping for a similar experience with this book. I thought the plot with its differences to the original fairy tale were very created and interesting, the author making this story her own. The characters were also sweet and likable with their own complexities. The secondary characters were delightful as well. For me, this one just didn't resonate. I felt like the characters and story needed more depth. Some things were over-the-top and too radical, making things feel fake and unbelievable. I also wanted a better villain, one who was smarter and more complex instead of feeling one dimensional. Regardless, this was still a sweet read.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This story fell a bit flat for me, but fans of the genre and author who are looking for a light, fluffy read with a strong religious aspect may enjoy this one.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
More from Karen
Having Fun with Character Names
I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.
Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.
Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.
I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.
Happy Reading!
~Karen
Tour Schedule
Maureen’s Musings, June 27
Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29
Inspired by Fiction, June 29
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30
Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30
Devoted Steps, July 1
Sylvan Reads, July 1
She Lives To Read, July 1
Texas Book-aholic, July 2
Blossoms and Blessings, July 2
Blogging With Carol, July 3
Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)
Labor Not in Vain, July 4
For Him and My Family, July 5
Holly’s Book Corner , July 5
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6
Jodie Wolfe, July 6
The Lit Lady, July 7
Wishful Endings, July 7
Bizwings Book Blog, July 8
Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8
Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9
Mary Hake, July 9
To Everything There Is A Season, July 10
Life Love Writing, July 10
Min Reads and Reviews, July 10
Tour-Wide Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Have you read any other Beauty and the Beast retellings that you enjoyed?
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