I am a big sucker for a retelling story – they are some of my favorite reads. Karen Witemeyer has put my love for them on a whole new level. My favorite story of all time is Beauty and the Beast – I mean Belle’s love for reading says it all. BUT……. Cloaked in Beauty is my new favorite retelling (sorry Belle!). The way she brought Little Red Riding Hood to life in this story was simply stunning. The cape, the wolf, grandma, the Pinkerton…..it all was just so wonderfully written and put together.

Phillip and Letty shared so many swoon worthy moments – and I truly enjoyed them together on the page rather than apart. They had amazing chemistry. Like uh-mazing lol. But as much as I enjoyed their chemistry, I really enjoyed seeing their character growth throughout the story. I won’t say much about that – you need to experience it for yourself – but it was encouraging to me. I appreciate that Witemeyer doesn’t shy away from a faith thread. It’s not preachy by any stretch of the imagination – it’s just effortlessly weaved into the story.

I’ve been a fan of Witemeyer’s for a long time now, so I’m not surprised I loved this book so much. I am surprised it has easily climbed it’s way to the top of my favorites list. I recently heard her interviewed in a podcast where she mentioned making more of these stories and let me tell you – I am here for it! But while I’m waiting, I will probably reread this one a time or two!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty is a stand alone story by Karen Witemeyer. This is a well written, easy to read and imagine story that has wonderful characters. After the death of Letty’s father, someone tries to get rid of her. Her mother sends her away to live with her grandmother until she turns of age. Now that the time is near, the mother hires Pinkerton Agent, Philip, to bring Letty home to claim her birthright.

This is such a good story. It caught my attention at the very beginning and held it to the very end. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Letty and her family. I also enjoy how devoted Philip is to fulfilling his duties and keeping her safe. I enjoyed how the two work together for the good of both of them and to accomplish their goal. I especially enjoyed the suspense in the story, which kept me reading to find out what would happen.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

When reading this, I was hooked from the beginning. Between the drama and romance, the author did a great job at creating a story that was tough to put down. I also appreciated how elements throughout the book pointed to God. The book flowed seamlessly.

The main characters themselves were great. Letty was a fun protagonist. Not afraid to be herself, and friends with a wolf! And watching her own personal growth was another element added! And Philip was just a great guy throughout. A solid character, who was true to himself. Both characters, by themselves, added so much to the novel.

Overall, it was a great novel. First the I’ve read from the series, so it looks like I have some catching up to do!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @karen.witemeyer @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

Another fun instalment in Karen Witemeyer's fairytale series!

This book weaved "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" together so well! I've been guessing the fairytales right off the bat, but this book had me wondering for a while which one she used until I figured out she did both. While it makes for a, dare I say, fairytale-esque story that's somewhat unrealistic, it is entertaining and I did love the characters.

Compared to the last two books in this series, Cloaked in Beauty is one I'd recommend for a younger historical + fairytale-loving audience!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc through Netgalley for review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

From beginning to end, I enjoyed Cloaked in Beauty. Although a third book in the Texas Ever After series by Karen Witemeyer, it is easily a stand-alone story. The characters are engaging and readers will love them (or with the scoundrel uncle, dislike!) With lots of edge-of-the-seat action, the pages almost turn themselves. I liked the faith element in the story. It was relatable, authentic, and natural to the story as readers are reminded that there are no problems bigger than God. And the author knows how to write a romance. I loved watching the relationship between Lettie and Philip grow and blossom despite differences and difficulties. Readers who enjoy a charming historical romance story will not want to miss Cloaked in Beauty. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty by the extraordinary author Karen Witemeyer is a Christian Western Historical mash up of the two fairy tales, Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty. This romantic retelling is captivating beginning with the beautiful cover. I was immediately invested in the story and eager to see how the author would mix these two tales.

The writing is exquisite in Cloaked in Beauty. This novel is filled with adventure, danger, and excitement. There are twists and turns that will surprise readers The characters are expertly crafted and appear real. They are relatable and endearing.

This western romance is a page turning delight. It has a Pinkerton agent, family drama, Christian messages, danger, and love. I highly recommend it. It receives a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided but these are my honest words.

I loved this mashup retelling of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood. I enjoyed all the nods to those stories without it being too much. The pacing was perfect and the romance super sweet. It was a little heavy on the Christian themes but it didn't bother me as it didn't come off as too preachy. I highly recommend Cloaked in Beauty!

The Skinny: As a young child, Letty is whisked away by her grandmother to escape her evil uncle. A Pinkerton agent is chosen to find her and bring her safely back. If only Philip can keep his heart from being lost.

The Fat: Ok. This is my favorite of the series so far. It’s part Sleeping Beauty and part Little Red Riding Hood. Trust me. They both twist together perfectly and I loved every little nod to the original stories. Letty is determined and her grandmother is a boss. Philip will remind you of the fighting Disney dude and is so endearing. Loved his integrity.

And there’s a red cape. It doesn’t just hide her physical traits, but also her inner strength and it just became this symbol of love to me as it flowed through the story. Another western retelling by @karen.witemeyer that is sure to be a classic. Highly recommend. Cape optional.

The Rhyme: Philip wants to keep his charge safe, but who will guard his own heart? Letty has a beloved companion in Rusty, but will she ever get a chance for love to start?

Cloaked in Beauty
by Karen Witemeyer
Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the third in the series of retellings. I really liked this one~
A clean historical romance with a fairytale spin - highly recommend! You can also read this as a standalone in the series, as this doesn't specifically have any ties to the previous books in the series.
I loved Letty as a strong and courageous character.
We are in Piney Woods, Texas where Letty Hood has been hidden from her uncle who wants to claim her inheritance from her father before she turns 21. Philip Carmichael is a experienced Pinkerton agent that is hired to find Letty before something bad happens to her. This is a heartwarming story of resilience and trusting in the Lord's plan. I love that Karen was inspired by tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, as it makes a great fairytale retelling.
5 stars

This is the third book in the Texas Ever After series. They are all standalones though, so they can be read in any order. This story combines two fairy tales in one, and I was very curious how the author was going to do Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood together. It worked so well together! I really loved it! Letty also known as Letty Hood gets sent to her “Grandmother’s house” to escape the “Dragon”, her uncle, she even has a pet wolf. She has to stay hidden until her 21st birthday. Phillip who is a Pinkerton agent, gets sent by Letty’s mother to go and retrieve Letty. Phillip and Letty and the wolf, Rusty, go on their journey back to her mother but they must be careful so her uncle won’t catch her. Like I said, brilliant on combining the stories. I really loved watching these characters relationship develop. I did have a couple minor things I didn’t prefer but overall it was a great read and had some good Christian content.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Content: just kisses, only one bed scene, they also have to share a cabin after getting drenched but it’s survival, he is shirtless and she checks him out a little

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

5 Amazing Stars!
Texas, late 1800s

Scarlett Radcliff aka Letty Hood, is such a strong, independent young woman, with a tender heart. Her faithful pet was a great addition to the story.

Phillip Carmichael is the trusty Pinkerton detective tasked with her safe transportation.

Letty's mother, grandmother and uncle all play key roles in her future.

Quotable: “We both have to be brave. And smart. Doing what we want isn’t always what is best. Doing what is best, even when it hurts, is what God calls us to do.”

"A chapter must end before a new one could begin, and whether she was ready for it or not, her page was turning."

Sooo so good. I absolutely loved this book. It really is a wonderful fairytale reimagined in a Western setting with the bonus of strong faith throughout. I am sad to see this series end, but happy to highly recommend it!

I received an eVersion from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Karen Witemeyer once again captivates readers with Cloaked in Beauty, a clever blend of fairy tale inspiration and her signature historical romance style. Part of the Texas Ever After series, this story combines elements of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood into a fresh and enchanting narrative. While the series is loosely inspired by fairy tales, it’s unmistakably Witemeyer—with all the nuanced storytelling and vibrant characters her fans have come to expect. This was my favorite book of the series.

The story follows Scarlett Radcliffe, known as Letty Hood, who has spent fifteen years hidden in the Texas wilderness with her grandmother and her pet wolf, Rusty. Letty has been in hiding to escape her uncle’s murderous schemes, which threaten her life before her 21st birthday. Content with her simple, outdoor life, Letty has no interest in wealth or societal status—her focus is on preserving her family’s legacy.

Enter Pinkerton Agent Philip Carmichael, nicknamed the "Lone Wolf," who is assigned to protect Letty and ensure she survives to claim her inheritance. Philip’s honorable and deeply protective nature immediately endears him to readers, and the romantic tension between him and Letty is expertly crafted. Witemeyer is known for her ability to build slow-burn, heart-stirring romances, and this book is no exception.

Beyond the romance and adventure, Cloaked in Beauty carries a powerful spiritual theme: trusting that God has already gone before us and holds the future in His hands. This message is seamlessly woven into the story, offering hope and encouragement without feeling forced.

The book is also filled with delightful references to both Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood that will charm fans of fairy tales, while still standing firmly as an original Witemeyer story. Her characters are richly developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Karen Witemeyer or new to her work, Cloaked in Beauty is a must-read. With its mix of romance, adventure, and faith, this book is a beautiful reminder of God’s sovereignty and a delightful escape into a world of historical fairy tale charm.

This was such a creative and fun story. I read the first book in this series and thought it was really good. This one was right up there for me and makes me want to go back and read the second book because while standalones, they all have been so enjoyable.
Cloaked in Beauty is a western take on Little Red Riding Hood with a bit of Sleeping Beauty. I loved the mashup and absolute creative way that Witemeyer blended these tales with her very own twists and storytelling. Letty and Philip had so many great moments together, I really liked the forced proximity as Philip worked to convey Letty to safety. Both main characters made such great heroes and heroines. I loved their bravery and honor. There was romance and some suspense all set in a fun western setting with all the entertaining bits of the wild west and what happens when one has a pet wolf. There were sweet faith moments of inspiration woven delicately throughout too. I was here for it all.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I recommend this book.

The opening scene made me want to know what was going on but then it felt like the tone changed and it took me a while to to get invested in the characters and the situation. However by the 60% mark I was fully invested and connected with the characters and needed to know what was going to happen, both with the situation and would they pursue a relationship. I loved Philip and the way he looked out for and treated Letty. Letty has not had much interaction with people over the years, but you wouldn't know that from the way she interacted with those she came across. There were some scenes that made me laugh out loud while others had me holding my breath. There is one scene in particular that was so well detailed that I felt like I was right there in the middle of the evilness happening. I am well versed in fairytales, but I picked up the various nods to Little Red Riding Hood.

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer is the third book in her Texas Ever After Series, but definitely is a standalone book. Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years hiding from everyone so her uncle will not find her. She has lived in the backwoods with her grandmother. Her mother sends Philip Carmichael, a Pinkerton Agent, to find her and bring her home around her 21st birthday. Letty is kind and beautiful, and Phillip will do anything to keep her safe.

This was a fantastic read. I have enjoyed this series, but Cloaked in Beauty is definitely my favorite. Letty was so endearing, fascinating, and likeable. She is beautiful on inside and outside. Phillip is a great hero who I enjoyed rooting for. The setting of the rural parts of Texas in the late 1880’s was so interesting. I was engaged with the characters and so invested on what would happy to Letty and her family. I enjoyed this fairytale retelling and how the author brought it to life.

I highly recommend Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer. The story will draw you in with the great characters, adventure and sweet romance. Don’t miss this one!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer is the author's retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood story. I'll admit I liked her version much better, with the author's usual laugh out loud humor added her quirky characters and we can't forget the wolf (Rusty) is it okay to have a wolf as a favorite character and the fairytale like settings the story is magical. From the mansion to going into hiding and the magical forest to roam in with her wolf I was totally captivated.
I think we all need a Philip Carmichael in our lives, a Pinkerton agent he is tasked with finding Letty after she has been in hiding for many years and escorting her home safely. Though he tries not to show it he is captivated by Letty and will do everything in his power to keep her safe. As the danger unfolds mile after mile with their perilous journey the only one who can keep them safe is letting God take control of this situation.
Will Phillip be free to admit his feelings for Letty or will his formal training keep them apart?
I loved this retelling and greatly look forward to more books in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty was a charming retelling of not one but two fairy tales!
Red Riding hood meets Sleeping Beauty in this rollicking adventure in the old west.
I did find the heroine a little "perfect " but it was an enjoyable read.
My favorite character had to have been Rusty. He was fantastic supporting character and added so much to each scene he was in.
The hero was a typical Witemeyer hero. Honorable, heroic and all around good guy.
Filled with faith and a good dose of western adventure.
.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally and all opinions are honest and completely my own.

I have really been enjoying the Texas Ever After series with its twists on classical fairytales. This novel has hints of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty. I really liked Letty from the instant we meet her. She is kind, resilient, and not the helpless female you’d expect from a fairytale novel. Her relationship with Philip develops realistically and in a sweet romantic way that is a joy to read. I also really loved her pet wolf, Rusty! Philip is the perfect match for Letty with his valiant nature; I liked that he did not try to change Letty but let her independent personality flourish. The Christian themes of trusting God with the future were well integrated. I also really liked the history and setting of the story. I had a hard time putting this book down and really enjoyed it! Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Cloaked in Beauty by Karent Witemeyer is a fun, faith-based retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Set in Texas, this romantic adventure with a touch of mystery features characters who are engaging, and a plot that is full of twists and turns. Letty and Phillip’s journey as they try to get Letty safely home to her mother before her birthday provides an engaging and enjoyable story.
This is the second book in the Texas Ever After series that I have read, and I am eager to read the first in the series! Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Thank you to @karen.witemeyer @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for the #gifted book.

This retelling of Red Riding Hood is truly enchanting! Letty shines as a strong, brave character, despite her sheltered upbringing. Her journey back to Houston to reunite with her mother is both compelling and inspiring. The bond that blossoms between Letty and Philip, the man tasked with finding her, adds a heartfelt layer to the story, all while danger looms around them. The trials they face along the way challenge their faith and courage, making their growth even more impactful. Letty’s loyal pet wolf, Rusty, is a standout character, showcasing unwavering dedication to Letty and Philip.

The story beautifully weaves in themes of faith, reminding us of the comfort and guidance of God as we navigate life's challenges.

This is my first experience with this author's work, and I can’t wait to explore her previous fairy tale retellings.

If you’re looking for a delightful tale filled with warmth and just the right amount of suspense, this book is a must-read.