Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Texas Ever After #1 Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer : book review

Texas Ever After #1

Fairest of Heart

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:  9/10

I have read a number of fairy tale retellings, but rarely of Snow White. And I understand why - how to realistically place a beautiful young lady in a home with 7 dwarves, with a prince, evil queen obsessed with youth and beauty, etc. But this was so well done. Using a motley crew of grandfather types with a variety of quirks and maladies was clever. I enjoyed the little details in their names (ie. Coy for Bashful), things like the “queen” talking to herself in any mirror she passed, etc.

The characters were charming, the love story sweet, but what I really loved were the scripture verses and application. I loved the way prayer was a constant and scripture was woven into the characters prayers, always so fitting for their situation. It was a great example and so encouraging. I loved the deeper character growth and progression of forgiveness and faith. Just loved it.

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