This is a sweet story that’s kind of a spin on Snow White. If you like fairy tale retellings you will definitely enjoy this book.

Are you a fan of fairytale retellings? I have read some pretty fun ones in the past and I ended up enjoying this one as well. Think Snow White but with a western, cowboy twist.

This book tells the story of Penelope Snow, a girl who is blessed or cursed with amazing beauty. It has caused her more trouble than good. She’s an orphan whose had a rough upbringing and is now serving as a maid in a theater troupe under a harsh and jealous mistress.

After being left for dead, she is rescued by seven wonderful and quirky old cowboys, and a handsome Texas ranger named Titus. The stern and handsome ranger is determined to keep his distance from her as he is also investigating a robbery that seems to be pointing right at Penelope, but her innocent and sweet demeanor win everyone over at the ranch.

I really enjoyed the connections between the story and Snow White. I felt like it was original enough to keep it fresh, while still having that nostalgic feel reminiscent to a childhood classic I loved.

If you enjoy Christian romance with a fun fairytale twist, then this is a book for you. Thank you Bethany house fiction for the complementary copy, all thoughts are my own.

I adore fairy tale retellings, so when I heard Karen Witemeyer released one of Snow White, I was thrilled. While I did like the book, there were some concerning elements detracting from full enjoyment.

WHAT I LIKED

The Faith
Oh, I loved the faith element. Definitely this book's strongest element. So wonderfully and naturally incorporated, it forces the reader to contemplate how we would respond to hardship--would our faith wither or would we grow? I know Witemeyer was wrongfully dissed for "such preachiness", but I found the faith edifying and absolutely the best part of this book.

Characters pray, read the Bible, and reminisce about attending church.

The Characters
Titus and Penelope were lovely main characters (although Titus' mustache was ad nauseum...but that's personal preference), and I adored this book's version of the seven dwarfs. Doc was a big sweetie, but I must admit Jeb was my favorite. The cantankerous curmudgeon kept me laughing.

The villains were good too. The Good Book warns about the dangers of pride, and we see what happens when pride encroaches upon one's heart and soul.

And I don't know if this will ever come about, but I really would like a story for Penelope's seamstress friend (I just can't recall her name right now).

The Plot

Overall, I liked the plot. This was my first time reading a historical fairy tale retelling. I always laud authors who can write nonmagical retellings, and Witemeyer really did well using natural and historical elements to replace the original's magic.

The Fairy Tale Integrations

Herein is where Witemeyer's cleverness shone. As a fairy tale reteller myself, I deeply appreciate a more unusual approach to incorporating fairy tale elements, and Witemeyer did so well in this. Titus Kingsly and we finally have a SW retelling without the MFC having an S first name. Penelope Snow is a clever name and the appreciated deviation from the usual tactic used for the main female character in Snow White retellings.

I don't know if anyone else caught this, or if it's mere coincidence, but the name Narcissa was perfect for the villainous. In this name, Witemeyer captured the very essence of the villain: pride. The name derives from the Greek mythological character, Narcissus, who was known for his beauty--and who appreciated his own appearance far too much. I found this quite fitting.


WHAT I DISLIKED

There were several fade-to-black scenes and far too many scenes where physical intimacy went too far. Way too far. This crossed the line and was both inappropriate and unnecessary for a book firmly in the Christian fiction category. I almost had to stop reading because it was just too much. One paragraph the villainous is enticing a man into bed, and in the next paragraph, "half an hour later, she sat up in the bed". Lust and physical passion, as well as intimacy outside of marriage, are heavily alluded to on numerous occasions.

Women's physical traits, particularly the ones in the chest area, were focused on far too often. That, too, was inappropriate and uncalled for. You can allude to a woman using her "assets" in a displeasing way without including the displeasing details.

The initial attraction between Penelope and Titus felt too based on appearances at first, and it felt like a bit of insta-love on Penelope's part. On the second time they meet, Titus definitely notices how it feels to have his hand on her slim waist (they were forced to ride the same horse).

CONTENT

Romance
The romance between Penelope and Titus was, mostly, quite cute and sweet.

Characters kiss, it is heavily implied bedroom relations occurred, a woman nibbles on a man's earlobe, a man "makes quick work" of a woman's bodice buttons, a woman is almost physically molested, it is said a man will be lured into thinking the clothing strewn across the floor preceded a "good time" (my words), affairs are hinted at, and readers easily understand a man and woman have been intimate with each other many times.

Violence
Characters are shot, a dog is harmed, there's poison, an attempted physical attack, some horse/cattle-inflicted injuries, and a nasty con woman.

CONCLUSION
Normally I state my opinion on whether or not I recommend a book. This time, I'm merely presenting the facts so you can make your decision. An abundance of faith and humor align with Witemeyer's trademark, engaging stories, but the lust and fade-to-blacks dimmed my enjoyment of this book. I am looking forward to the next tale in the series, so hopefully we won't have the same lusty-romance issue.

If you're searching for some stellar Witemeyer books, I highly recommend Hanger's Horsemen and A Worthy Pursuit.

*I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review.

I absolutely loved this story! It was just a delightful read!
I kept thinking how much fun it would have been to write it, picking the names for the seven old drovers!

This story really flowed well. The development of the characters and the bits of wisdom helped weave the story together
The way Penelope was written was perfection. And Titus was the ideal match for her.

I appreciated the emphasis on family and how they didn't have to be related to be family.
And the strong faith thread and advice were such an integral part of the story.
Such as, “ Mercy an truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10

The author's note at the end is so interesting and the historical note about the secret of John St. John that she worked into the story.
I loved the cover, it truly represented the story!

I highly recommend this story!
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

What an absolutely FABULOUS “Snow White” retelling!! “Fairest of Heart” is truly one of the best books I’ve ever read😍 The faith content was ASTOUNDING and the sweet romance was SO HEART-WARMING!!

Penelope’s heart of gold was such an inspiration to me. She was always quick to forgive and looked for the best in others. Her strong faith and active prayer life modeled how I want my relationship to look like with the Lord 🙏🏻 Penelope’s character was such an encouragement to me in my journey with Christ!!

As for the romance, Penelope & Titus were the PERFECT couple🥰 Titus was just the SWOONIEST MMC!! The way he took care of “Penny” and an adorable dog named “Lucky” just MELTED MY HEART🥹😭❤️

Another aspect of the story I enjoyed were the 7 “old drovers” from the Diamond D Ranch!! These 7 retirees absolutely WON MY HEART!!! I loved how Karen gave them each a very unique personality that symbolized each of the 7 dwarves from the original “Snow White” fairytale. They truly were a hoot!! (Especially “Dusty”🤧😂)

Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone😍 I absolutely loved Karen’s writing style and eagerly anticipate reading through her backlist in the near future❤️ This is definitely a “top read” of the year for me🥳

As always, I truly loved this book by Karen Whitmeyer. The characters were entertaining and very creative. I loved the depth of characters. The famous actress was a surprise, as her character devolved thru the book. I loved how Penelope also developed into such a strong character. Ms. Whitmeyer is a very creative writer and author, and I will continue to seek out her stories!

I would like to thank Bethany House for the privilege of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer is a captivating historical romance novel that skillfully combines elements of the classic fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with a fresh and unique perspective. Set in the scenic landscapes of 1800s Texas, the story follows Penelope Snow, a beautiful young woman whose appearance brings more trouble than joy. When she becomes the target of her jealous mistress, Penelope finds herself in ruins and in need of protection. Enter Titus Kingsley, a Texas Ranger assigned to investigate a robbery case involving Penelope's acting troupe. As Titus gets to know her, he discovers that Penelope's beauty is not her curse but rather a facade that hides her true self.

The novel's strengths lie in the author's ability to craft a compelling narrative with emotional depth, tender romance, and a seamless blend of historical and fairytale elements. While some readers may find the overt focus on physical attributes distracting, Fairest of Heart remains an enchanting and recommended read for fans of Christian fiction and historical romance.

Karen Witemeyer's storytelling shines in Fairest of Heart, as she deftly weaves together a captivating tale that draws inspiration from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs while adding her own twists. The author's emphasis on emotional growth and personal development, rather than explicit violence, makes the story accessible to a broader audience. The romance between Penelope and Titus is heartfelt and devoid of explicit sexual content, allowing readers to enjoy the journey without discomfort.

Witemeyer's portrayal of the Wild West in the 1800s serves as a stunning backdrop, immersing readers in the rugged beauty of Texas. The inclusion of a headline performer turned cat burglar adds excitement and showcases the author's ability to blend historical elements with fairytale themes. The characters, including a lovable cast of side characters, are well-developed and enhance the reading experience. Despite some minor flaws, Fairest of Heart is a recommended read that leaves readers yearning for more of Witemeyer's storytelling magic.

Book Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Fairest of Heart is an interesting tale on one of the famous fairytales, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I like Penelope’s loving heart and the seven men at the Diamond D were just the sweetest. There was even a grumpy one, but Penelope won him over. T

The romance was sweet. A little bit of mystery made it intriguing. I enjoyed the new friends that Penelope found at the ranch and Titus' lesson on truth and mercy. This was an entertaining Christian fiction set in the 1800's.. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
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Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rating: 4 stars
Pub Date: 06 Jun 2023

I found Fairest of Heart to be an entertaining read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction, historical romances, and fairy tale retellings. I'm happy I gave this book a try and am looking forward to seeing what the next book in the series will be.

I really enjoyed this Western take on a retelling of Snow White. It was such a fresh idea! I like the parallels and similarities yet differences. The book was had hope, and of course the dreaded despair, danger, jealousy, theft, and the hero(s)! I definitely recommend this book. The author has such a talent for writing and this is now my favorite retelling of the this fairy tale.

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemyer was amazing. It had me laughing and tearing up. I love finding and reading revamped versions of fairy tales, especially Christian-based ones.

I enjoyed the characters. You knew who was who when you read each one. As far as Snow White is concerned, everything is funny and adorable. The only thing I want to say is that there are a couple of places where there are misspellings. Other than that, I again enjoyed it.

The book cover looked great, very lovely to look at. The faith-based part of it was amazing. It felt great. It made me cry and cheer and praise.

If you see this book, you should check it out. It will definitely be worth it. The author did great with it. Two thumbs up from me.

Fairest of Heart is a western historical Snow White retelling complete with a mirror-carrying villain obsessed with her own vanity, seven protective old men on a ranch, a sometimes naive protagonist who likely whistles a happy tune, and a love story.

I enjoyed reading this book! It had the same feeling as reading fairy tales, where you live in a world not quite like our own, and I enjoyed the nods to the well known story.

The Wild West was the perfect setting for this story! The ranch setting was so lovely, and the dramatic headline performer for a traveling show being the cat burgling villain was perfect.

I recommend this one to fans of sweet romance with a faith-driven storyline.

Fairest of Heart also has one of the best covers I have ever seen on a Bethany House book! Absolutely stunning!

Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction for a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

A fairytale retelling set in historic Texas. Texas Rangers, theatre troupes and romance. Fairest of Heart is the first book in a new series by Karen Witemeyer.

Penelope knows to keep her head down. Working as a lady’s maid is her last chance. When when her mistress discovers Penny in her evening gown (put on for alterations), in a fit of jealousy she throws Penny out form the theatre troupe and orders her to be killed. Penny manages to avoid being killed but she is rescued by an unlikely group - seven older cowboys and one Texas Ranger. Penny finds safety and a home she’s never had before at the Diamond D ranch. But when Titus’s new case seems to point a string of robberies at Penny, he returns home to investigate. Could the sweetest woman he’s ever met be a danger to his family?

What a cute and clever idea - fairytales given a country, historical romance twist. Fairest of Heart is lots of fun. The fairytale similarities are obvious but woven cleverly into the story so the events of the story and ending are not too predictable.

As usually, Witemeyer writes fantastic chemistry between her main characters. Thanks to our seven dwarves characters, the seven old drovers Penny takes refuge with, there is a loveable cast of side characters. Just like a fairytale, some of the drama leans towards the dramatic, like Madame Labelle’s scheming. But Penny herself is so delightful and earnest and Titus is so heroic, reading about their fight for justice and their growing feelings make for a lovely story.

I’m looking forward to future books in this series.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Of all the fairytale retellings I have read, Fairest of Heart is by far my favorite! Witemeyer, in my humble opinion, has raised the bar in this genre.

I felt as if I was transported into the re-release of the first fairytale I ever saw on the big screen in 1967. I can remember the excitement of seeing the characters come alive and as then, today my attention and emotions were fully engaged with Penelope, Titus, Doc and ALL of the old drovers, aka the graybeard brigade, at the Diamond D Ranch. They played across my mind’s eye with ease, bringing great affection for this well written re-telling.

At the same time, I thought it was brilliant to have several POV instances from the seductive villainess Narcissa LaBelle. Boy howdy, she is wicked to the core. Witemeyer perfectly describes her cunning mind and conniving ways. I could not wait to see how Ranger Titus Kingsley was going to catch her and what a great sting it was!

With fabulous descriptions of…well…everything, I can see this becoming one I reread many times! Of course, no one writes western quite like this author so when a beloved classic fairytale meets a pen like Witemeyer wields, it is bound to become a classic in its own right among Christian fiction fans. Truly, the faith thread was so well done for both Penelope and Titus, and their romance is as delectable as apple cider.

I received an early copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. No compensation has been received.

Book Review / More Than a Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Rating:
Violence: 2/5
Sexual Content: 1/5


Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer is a delightful and enchanting historical romance novel that captures the essence of love, adventure, and the power of self-discovery. Set in the 19th century, this story follows the journey of a strong-willed heroine, Mercy McClain, as she navigates the challenges of her past while embracing the possibilities of a brighter future.

When it comes to violence, Fairest of Heart maintains a relatively low level of intensity. While there are instances of mild conflict and tension, the author focuses more on the characters' emotional growth and personal development rather than on explicit violence. The book is suitable for readers who prefer stories with minimal violence.

In terms of sexual content, Fairest of Heart falls into the clean romance category. The author weaves a tender and heartfelt love story, but explicit or graphic sexual scenes are not a part of the narrative. The focus is on the emotional connection between the characters, allowing readers to enjoy the romantic journey without explicit sexual content.

Overall, Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer is a captivating historical romance novel that combines elements of adventure, love, and personal growth. With its mild levels of violence, clean romance, minimal profanity, and responsible portrayal of alcohol use, the book is well-suited for readers who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of historical charm.

That was one of the most adorable fairytale retellings I have ever read. I love how the author weaved in all the classical Snow White elements while also giving it a bit of a fresh twist. Titus was the perfect hero and Penelope was just the absolute sweetest heroine.

But my favorite part had to be the ranch with all the retired cowhands. Jeb's wise words of faith to Penny was one of my favorite scenes in the book.

I loved the faith in this book and how natural it was to the story! It's the thing I appreciate most about this author. I always know that the faith message will be strong, without being cheesy when I pick up a Witemeyer book.

Were there other elements of the story that felt a little cheesy? Sure. But, honestly, I didn't care. LOL The rest was just too cute.

**I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Yes - read it.

The first in a series which is off to a very promising start!

This is the most clever take on a fairy tale I've come across. The story was riveting on it's own merits. It took my quite a while to realize how skillfully all the pieces of Snow White fit in. Maybe I didn't read the description well enough or forgot it before I started reading, it was just kind of nice to be taken by surprise!

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help me prepare my honest review.

What an enthralling and delightful rendition of the Brother’s Grimm’s novel Snow White!
Karen Witemeyer’s novel, the Fairest of Heart is one of those novels which can be likened to biting into a sweet apple, it gets sweeter and sweeter with each bite. Penelope Snow is a young woman who has known pain, betrayal, and rejection right from infancy. However, despite all these her heart remains pure and gullible making her a target for evil people. For someone who easily forgets the names of characters in the novels I read, still being able to remember the names in this book with a smile speaks of how much this book has been imprinted in my mind. I loved the grandfathers of Diamond D and Titus who God use to show love to Penelope.
One thing that has consistently stood out in Karen Witemeyer’s writings is the strong foundation of Christian faith in her novels and how scriptures are woven in her novel. There are nuggets of wisdom on having faith in trying times, justice, mercy, and truth which have been deposited in my heart.
Fans of Karen Witemeyer will not be disappointed by this new series. I am greatly anticipating the next books in this series. For those who are yet to sample Karen Witemeyer’s writing, may this novel capture your attention to read.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews

4.5 stars, This is book one in the Texas Ever After series, so what a great place to start. Penelope Snow and Texas ranger Titus Kingsley find themselves in need of helping each other out. Penelope has always been a bit of an outcast, her inner beauty shines bright even while she tries to hide her outer beauty. Titus wants nothing to do with beautiful women, however when he must decide to trust Penelope or not he is torn.
Karen Witemeyer writes with such passion and her characters truly come to life. I love the spunk, twist and turns and life lessons learned throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Christian Fiction Romance. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

What a fun retelling! Snow White comes alive in Texas in this engaging frontier story with a mystery twist.

From the very beginning, the foreshadowing of the employer not being good for her is clear, but I didn't honestly expect the twists that come next! I'm not very familiar with the Snow White tale--just enough to recognize the elements of her loving nature, enjoying reading, being happy to help others, and the seven "dwarves" (here retired drovers) are all easily recognizable.

I loved Penelope, Titus, and his grandfather best. There is a rescue dog named Lucky that also tugged at my heart!

Overall, a great read and one I'll definitely be buying the paperback and rereading!

Best ages: 16+ because the villainess is particularly evil: <spoiler> She uses sex as a weapon against men and some of the elements of that are clearly suggested, although off page. </spoiler>

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.