Road Trip Reads Giveaway (Texas): Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Posted June 13, 2023 by meezcarrie in Christian, fairy tales, giveaway, historical, Karen Witemeyer, Road Trip Reads Giveaway 2023, romance / 72 Comments

today’s book: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

We are moving right along on our summer-long Road Trip Reads Giveaway where we will be visiting all 50 states on the pages of recently released books. Because road trips are always better with friends – and books – right? So grab your fave snacks, a cold soda or bottled water, an upbeat playlist and let’s head back to the mainland!

today’s stop: Texas

FAIREST OF HEART by Karen Witemeyer
SERIES: Texas Ever After #1
GENRE: Inspirational Historical/Western Romance
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2023
PAGES: 351

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

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 lady 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, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

 

“Find a Penelope, son, and never let her go.”

A Snow White retelling by Karen Witemeyer, set in the late 1800s in Texas? Yes please! In fact, I’m going on record as saying that I enjoyed Fairest of Heart better than I ever have the Disney movie. The seven drovers – a ragtag gang of old cowboys – endearingly represent the dwarves we all love in personality and heart, though in this case my favorite is Grumpy… er… Jeb. I loved them all just about equally, however. Penelope Snow is not only fair in appearance but, true to the title, she is fair of heart too. Her kindness and selfless nature make her super easy to love. Which brings us to Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley.

One of my favorite tropes in romance is the man who has sworn off women but now finds himself completely besotted with one and completely perplexed as to how that happened. Such is the case with Titus toward Penelope.

Bullets he could dodge. Love, on the other hand, snuck up on a fellow when he wasn’t looking, and he very much feared he’d already taken a lethal hit.

I loved Titus – from his befuddled feelings to his relationship with his grandfather and his genuinely good heart. The fact that, shortly after we first meet him, he carries a wounded dog on horseback to the Diamond D for his grandfather (aka Doc) to heal is icing on the already swoony cake. A Texas Ranger with a soft spot for animals and affection for a handful of crotchety old cowboys… who falls bewildered head over boots for Penelope… is definitely a Prince Charming in my book! The faith thread that pertains to him is so beautifully done, as well.

Bottom Line: Once upon a time, if asked to name my favorite fairy tale, Snow White would typically be far down the list, whether it be the Disney movie or the Grimm story. However, in Karen Witemeyer’s hands, Fairest of Heart kicked it up my list several places and became far & away my favorite retelling of the tale. I had such fun finding all the author’s unique twists on the Disney version, and I grinned like crazy from beginning to end. I also became totally smitten with all seven drovers of the Diamond D and Lucky the dog, not to mention Penelope and Titus. Watching those latter two fall in love was truly a pleasure and oh-so-sweet. If you love fairy tale retellings, great characters, sweet romance, touching faith themes, and the triumph of the good guys over the villains then Fairest of Heart will have you reading happily ever after!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. In the interest of full disclosure, the company for which I freelance as a blog/review tour coordinator was hired to promote this book with a social media tour at a later date, with which I have no involvement. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4.5 stars / loved it!

KissingBook Level: 3+ / will forget to breathe on occasion

affiliate links used

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at karenwitemeyer.com.

Bethany House is offering a print copy of Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer to one of my readers! (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.

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What about you? What makes you want to read Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer? Have you ever visited Texas?

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72 responses to “Road Trip Reads Giveaway (Texas): Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer”

  3. DeAnna Dodson

    Oh, this sounds wonderful! Set in Texas is always a plus. And I love the Western Snow White retelling. Yes, please!

    Reply
  8. Roxanne C.

    This sounds like a fabulous retelling of Snow White, one much more to my liking than other versions, especially since it written by Karen Whitmeyer.

    Reply
  13. Suzanne Sellner

    I’m eager to read this new book by Karen Witemeyer. I’ve loved all her books that I’ve read!

    Reply
  14. Becky D

    I LOVE this cover!!! Fairytale retellings are great…especially by one of my favorite authors. Thank you so much for sharing!!! 🥰📚

    Reply
  16. Sue Parrish

    I have lived in Texas all of my life and really enjoy books about my state. Karen Witemeyer is a fabulous writer. I have loved every book of hers that I have read. This story sounds like a fun read.

    Reply
  19. Regina

    I went through Texas on a bus when I was young. I’d love to be able to go back and visit. And I’m adding this book to my growing TBR! 😊📚

    Reply
  24. Sandy Avery

    I just read this book and loved it! It was my first read by Karen so I’ve found another great author to follow, and catch up on.

    I have not been to Texas.

    Reply
  25. Kasi Walas

    I’m intrigued by “Fairest of Heart” by Karen Witemeyer as I’ve always had a soft spot for historical romance. Witemeyer’s reputation for creating captivating characters and blending heartwarming romance with moments of suspense make it a promising read. I’m particularly interested in the Texas setting of her novels. Even though I’ve never been to Texas, I’m drawn to the depiction of its rich history and unique culture in literature. Reading “Fairest of Heart” seems like a great way to experience a bit of Texas, all while enjoying an engrossing love story

    Reply
  26. Katrina Dehart

    The blurb has me intrigued! Sounds like something I’d enjoy reading. Ty for sharing

    Reply
  27. marti

    Western romance isn’t usually my cup of tea, but I’ve read this author before, and really enjoyed the book I read. This one looks particularly good! I have visited Texas on a number of occasions, and might be moving there in the near future.

    Reply
  28. Diana Hardt

    I have never visited Texas. Nice cover. It sounds like a really interesting book, very intriguing. Thank you very sharing.

    Reply
  29. Lisa @ The Plain-Spoken Pen

    I love Karen Witemeyer’s books! I left my home state of Louisiana to go to college in Texas (Baylor grad here – Sic ‘Em Bears!), and stayed there for a good handful of years. We moved back to Louisiana in 2012, but there are a lot of things I miss about Texas, and if life ever brings us back there, I’d be all right with that!

    Reply
  30. Amy M.

    Always like a fairy tale re-telling and yes, I’ve been to Texas and have family that live there.

    Reply
  32. Colleen H.

    I have loved everything Karen Witemeyer has written and this story looks just as good as all of her other books! And sadly, I’ve not yet made it to Texas.

    Reply
  37. Caryl Kane

    I’m a native Texan and I enjoy novels set in my state! Karen Witemeyer is one of my must read authors.

    Reply
  44. Laura C

    I love the idea of this being a fairy tale retelling and I’ve yet to read one of Karen’s books!

    Reply
  45. Linda May

    I love reading fairytales and the book sounds !one a great read. I have been to San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas.

    Reply
  46. Terrill R

    I love fairytale re-tellings. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Snow White reimagining.

    Reply
  47. Martha

    I want to read Fairest of Heart because I have enjoyed other books Karen Whitmeyer has written. The thought of this young lady being with 7 old guys sounds like the opportunity for a lot of fun. I have never been to Texas.

    Reply
  49. Laura DeLaRosa

    I lived in Texas for about three years when I was a teenager. The heat, humidity and mosquitoes in Corpus Christi are a killer.

    Reply

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