4.5 stars
This was a fun read! I love fairytales and it was so cool to read this western Christian reimagining. Fairest of Heart is the first book in Karen Witemeyer’s new series, Texas Ever After. Snow White is such an interesting fairytale and it was cool to see how Witemeyer changed and modeled the story.
Penelope and Titus were just wonderful characters. They were engaging and I felt for them both as they tried to figure out life. I really liked how Witemeyer created her own version of Snow White. I was drawn into the story and I loved Witemeyer’s version of the seven dwarves. The seven old men were so sweet and I loved how they became like Penelope’s grandpas. Although it took me a little while to get invested in the book, the plot was interesting and I wanted to know how the story was going to end. I also enjoyed how Witemeyer wove faith into her book and how the characters had to learn to trust God more fully.
Fairest of Heart was a fun book. It was a clean Christian historical fiction romance. I would recommend it to those who enjoy Witemeyer’s other books or who just enjoy Christian western romance fiction. I am also excited to see what fairytale Witemeyer will do next!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

FAIREST of HEART is the first novel in the Texas Ever After series by KAREN WITEMEYER. It is a delightful read with unforgettable characters, an exciting plot,, a sweet romance, and a story reminiscent of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. The book is bible based and full of hope, with scripture verses such as John 16:33 “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” underlying the story.
Penelope Snow is an orphan who longs for a family and a place she can call home. After suffering abuse at the hands of Narcissa LaBelle and her sidekick Cecil Hunt, and being accused of theft, she is questioned by Ranger Titus Kingsley, who is inclined to believe these lies, because of what happened to his brother Nate…….
There is a lot more to this novel but I do not want to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.
I cannot recommend this lovely book highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

LOVED. All the stars.

Karen Witemeyer is my comfort read author. I know every time I pick up one of her books, I'll walk away smiling. This one is no exception.

Fairest of Heart is a charming Snow White retelling, which I haven't seen done often in Christian fiction. It features the damsel in distress trope, a heroic cowboy Ranger, a unique group of 7 'geriatric' (Titus's description, not mine) dwarves... need I say more? The classical fairytale is spun in wonderfully enchanting faith-based historical romance.

I loved the relationship between Titus and Penelope. There was a lot of depth there, with a foundation built on character.

Content Notes:
As a Snow White retelling, there is a contrast made between physical and inner beauty. One character uses her beauty to entice + seduce men. Much of that aspect is glossed over, with minimal details, but due to the nature of several of those scenes, I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this delightful book! I adored it and could not put it down. This is the third book I have read by Ms. Witemeyer. I have enjoyed all her novels - she is a wonderful writer and the romance was lovely. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and will read it again and again - that is how much I enjoyed it. I heartily recommend this wonderful book!

Well this book converted me to a Snow White fan. I didn't think it was possible; she's never been a favorite Princess of mine as she always seems kind of blah, but this retelling was jam packed with the opposite of blah. I loved the added POV from Narcissa (also love that that was her name!) and really enjoyed how the thefts Titus is tasked with solving are so closely related to Penelope. The seven old drovers were also great and I loved all their different personalities and how they immediately took a liking to Penelope - it was so sweet! Mostly, I loved how this retelling was obviously based on Snow White, but had it's own personality and didn't rely too heavily on just rewriting. Overall, it was "fairly" good. No, actually it was better than fairly good but I needed to work that in somehow, so please forgive me ;)

The perfect western fairytale!
Penelope Snow's beauty has gotten her in trouble despite her best efforts. When her mistress turns Penelope finds herself in the care of seven men and one much younger and handsome Ranger. Ranger Titus Kingsley is unsure of beautiful women due to his past. When his grandfather and his friends take in Penny, he is convinced something is not right. When trouble follows Penny, Titus will have to enlist her help to solve the mystery of the stolen gems. Will they find the thief before time runs out?
Karen Witemeyer does it again! I absolutely loved this book! One of my favorite reads so far this year. I read the entire book in two sittings. Penny and Titus are such a beautiful couple with amazing chemistry. I hope this turns into a series of western fairytales! I would absolutely recommend this book to any family or friends.

This is a fun historical romance. Penelope Snow is a maid for the star of an acting troupe that is traveling through Texas. When her employer gets jealous, she decides to eliminate Penelope. Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley rescues her but the conflict doesn't stop there. This is a fun story and this is only the first of the series so I can see some great reading on the horizon. I love the quirky characters and the interesting situations that emerge. This is one of my favorite authors!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

Karen Witemeyer is at her absolute best in the charming Fairest of Heart. 5 stars!

Penelope Snow has an indomitable optimistic spirit and chooses to see the best in everyone. Ranger Titus Kinglsey is her complete opposite and pessimistically suspicious of everyone, especially women. Readers will enjoy the give and take when their lives collide, and how Penelope ultimately wins Titus over.

Grampa Doc and the other members of the Diamond D Ranch were adorable as grandfathers totally enchanted and protective of Penelope. Madame LaBelle lives up to her reputation as an evil queen.

This is a splendid grownup Snow White retelling that Witemeyer fans will delight in reading. I hope the author will have a series of similar fairytale books. I appreciate Bethany Publishers making a copy of Fairest of Heart available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Karen Witemeyer never disappoints. Her latest story, Fairest of Heart, is a testament of that.

Penelope Snow is an orphan that was taken in by a teacher. When she becomes the assistant to a famous actress, she must hid her assets, wearing shapeless dresses and keeping her head low. Her beauty is unsurpassed. But as an unexpected happenstance, she is revealed and her jealous mistress has Penelope removed, with nothing but her underclothes, to be disposed of.

Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has been wary of beautiful women. His brother lost his life over an infatuation with a beautiful woman and Titus has been hardened ever since.

This was such a great story. I loved the seven grandfathers that take Penelope in as she learns to trust again. The characters were so well written. And the emotions brought you to understand many of the former situations that affected each of the characters. The banter was delightful and the love story well played out.

This is definitely a must read if you enjoy a good story. I love how Witemeyer weaves how God is working in their lives. All in all it's a beautiful well written story. What we have come to expect from Ms. Witemeyer.

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

This is a lovely book! Such likeable characters, good writing, and a sweet romance.
This is a retelling of Snow White, so the plot was (as I generally expect retellings to be) predictable. But it had a good, unique twist on the story to keep me reading (as a retelling should have).
I really loved the banter and dialogue between the characters, especially the seven old men. They were so funny at times!
Sometimes I find innocent, sweet, and just plain good characters to be annoying. But in the case of Penelope, I was not annoyed. Her character was written in such a way to make her seem genuine, not flat and "perfect". I like how Penelope and Titus's relationship developed throughout the book: The noticing of character and personality had the upper hand over physical attributes for the most part.
Anyways, I highly recommend this to anyone who likes historical Christian romance, or fairytale retellings. :)

Some notable quotes:
"Dusty let out a sneeze loud enough to rival a gunshot."
"Nothing honed a young man's reflexes like chasing chickens."
"I'm the resident pessimist around here. Can't have you stealin' my job."
"A man has no future if he can't let go of the past."

4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

This is a story worth reading. A retelling of Snow White, the Fairest of heart, is a fun read with engaging characters and a great twist on the seven dwarves. You can't help but love them! I don't want to spoil the story so I'll say that the way the plot fits in with the traditional story is beautifully done.

I really hope that there are more in this series. This is a faith based historical based story. It is well written, a really relaxing read and I'd even go as far to say comfort food for a rainy day. I've found this to be true of all of Karen's previous books - I've never read one that I didn't like.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Another amazing read by Karen!!! She used the story line of Snow White but in cowboy times! I loved getting to know her version of the 7 dwarfs. I loved her grumpy. Don’t forget the love story line. The cowboy Titus was a dreamy character that came to the rescue. Filled with suspense and unknowns, Karen nailed another story.

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.

I really enjoyed this fairytale retelling of Snow White, it was an angle I haven’t seen before which was refreshing. I haven’t seen any other fairytale retellings with a faith-based foundation before so wasn’t sure what to expect.

It had all the elements that make Bethany House books so lovely. The romance between the two main characters was wholesome and clean, and based on principles of trust and faith. I finished this book in a single sitting. I had not heard of this author previously, but will definitely be looking to see if she has written any more fairytale retellings.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.