{Thank you to @netgalley and to the publisher for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.}

I love this series so much! Cloaked in Beauty has been one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2024, after falling in love with the first two books in this series earlier this year. Thankfully, the third installment did not disappoint! I absolutely adored this book!

Set in 1800s Texas, each book of this series is a fairy tale retelling with a Western romantic suspense spin. The best part is that these books also are filled with deep faith themes and biblical theology seamlessly woven into the storylines and characters.

Cloaked in Beauty is a Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty retelling, and the combining of these fairytales into this unique story worked perfectly. I could not put this book down and devoured it in ONE day.

I can’t recommend this series enough!

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer is an engaging new narrative on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. And it is one you will not be able to put down.

While the story is loosely based on Red Riding Hood with our main character, Letty Hood, wearing a red cape, the twist is Rusty—her trusted and faithful companion, a wolf she raised as a pup.

Letty has been in hiding with her grandmother since she was a child because her uncle (who is the actual wolf) has been trying to find her so he can kill her and grab her inheritance. But now she is turning 21, and she needs to return to society to claim her inheritance and be done with her uncle forever. And it is Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael’s job to get her home safely.

I loved everything about this book. Philip is a charismatic hero, trying desperately to keep Letty and her reputation safe as they travel alone from the backwoods of East Texas to Houston. His attraction to Letty and hers to him is a sweet romance that made this book hard to put down.

I also loved the faith element Witemeyer has expertly included. I also appreciated that she didn’t make Letty someone who was timid and afraid of everything. She is a wonderful heroine who is intelligent and brave enough to face whatever obstacles come her way.

If you like historical romance, you will love Cloaked in Beauty. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

What a fun retelling of Little Red Riding Hood!

I loved this story. It’s been a while since I’ve been so enthralled with each character. Karen Witemeyer does an excellent job of creating characters that readers want to see succeed in all their hopes and dreams.

Heiress Scarlett Radcliffe, alias Letty Hood, has been in hiding with her grandmother in the woods since the age of six. Fearing for her daughter’s life, Scarlett’s mother sends her into hiding until her 21st birthday when she is to inherit her deceased father’s fortune.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael, is hired by Letty’s mother to find her and bring her home. An honorable man, ready to leave the life of a Pinkerton behind, eventually discovers Letty’s whereabouts and takes her across treacherous country to reunite her with her mother.

I love that Letty’s pet is a wolf, which plays just as large a role in the story as Letty and Philip do. A doting grandmother, an evil uncle and faithful servants round out the cast of characters. And a sweet romance develops between Letty and Philip, despite the large age difference.

And a lovely twist to the end of the story will have readers in tears. Better grab your tissues for this one!

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was so good! I really enjoyed the characters and the plot was GREAT. I really enjoyed this one. The plot was unique, even as it called back to very familiar fairy tales. I see that as a mark of a great author. Not everyone can take a known plot and make it feel unique and fresh.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A great third book in this series (and they are each stand-alone novels). This is a fun story using the Red Riding Hood theme. Almost the entire story takes place while on a journey where the two main characters are the only ones on the page, yet it never got slow or boring—the events moved the story right along. There was bit of mystery and unknown in the ending and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This third fairy tale rework in the Texas Ever After Series, with vibes of Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White, is an engaging, cleverly plotted western story set in the late 1800s. The wonderful, well-crafted cast of characters is headlined by courageous and determined heiress Scarlett Radcliffe, alias Letty Hood, and honorable, dependable, handsome hero Pinkerton Agent Philip Carmichael. I enjoyed their adventurous journey to thwart her ruthless uncle’s plans and preserve her father’s legacy. I love the way they grow personally and in their relationship with each other through the danger and uncertainties they encounter on the journey. Rusty, Letty’s pet wolf, adds a delightfully unique element to the mix. I appreciate the encouraging faith aspect that flows naturally throughout the story reminding us of God’s caring, comfort, and guidance. A sneak preview of Ms. Witemeyer’s next series is a pleasing bonus! I think fans of fairy tales and historical romance will love this book and the series. Note: Each book in the series can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty is the third book in the Texas Ever After series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

A historical western retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty? Um, yes please! This was such a fantastic read with just the right blend of romance, a sense of danger and nods to the original fairy tales. One of the things that I loved about the previous books in the series is that while those nods are certainly there and evident, it also felt like it's own unique story too. With this particular story being a mix of both Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, I did personally see more on the first within the story--- the red cloak she wears, a pet wolf, etc. while I think the Sleeping Beauty references might have been more subtle (though admittedly, it could be that I'm just not as familiar with the story to notice them as well). Either way, I loved how those familiar elements were woven so perfectly. If you love historical romance and fairy tale retellings, this is absolutely a series you won't want to miss.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Karen Witemeyer’s Cloaked in Beauty is a captivating historical romance set in the rugged landscapes of 19th-century Texas. With a blend of suspense, romance, and rich character development, Witemeyer takes readers on a journey that’s as much about survival as it is about discovering the depth of the human heart.

The story centers around Letty Hood, a young woman who’s spent the last 15 years in hiding with her grandmother to escape the dangerous machinations of an uncle who wants her dead. Letty’s life has been one of secrecy, fear, and isolation, but as her 21st birthday approaches, she is thrust into a perilous situation: she must leave her hidden existence behind, journeying to Houston with a stranger to claim a vast inheritance that could make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. But the threat to her life still looms, and time is running out.

Enter Philip Carmichael, a Pinkerton agent hired to escort Letty safely through treacherous terrain. Philip expects to meet a pampered, spoiled heiress, but instead, he encounters a woman of intelligence, courage, and emotional depth. Throughout their journey, Letty’s resilience and kindness challenge Philip’s cynicism and hardened heart, and he finds himself torn between his duty to protect her and his growing feelings for her. But with danger at every turn, their path forward is fraught with tension, uncertainty, and peril.

At the heart of Cloaked in Beauty is the slow-burn romance between Letty and Philip. The story carefully weaves their relationship, balancing moments of tension and affection with the ever-present danger that shadows their every move. Witemeyer excels in portraying their emotional growth and personal struggles. Letty, despite the trauma she’s faced, remains strong, compassionate, and resourceful. She’s not just a damsel in distress, but a woman who’s fought for survival her entire life and is determined to protect herself and those she loves.

Philip, on the other hand, is a man who has been hardened by years of dangerous work as a Pinkerton agent. He’s wary of becoming emotionally involved, particularly with a woman like Letty, who represents everything he’s never allowed himself to care about. His transformation over the course of the novel is powerful to watch—he learns to see Letty not just as a job to be done, but as someone worthy of his heart.

Witemeyer masterfully builds suspense throughout the book. As Letty and Philip journey through Texas, the stakes grow higher, and the threats against Letty’s life become more dire. This constant undercurrent of danger keeps the reader on edge, wondering what will happen next. The book blends action with emotional depth, ensuring that even when the characters are in the midst of peril, their personal growth and evolving feelings never take a backseat.

One of the most compelling aspects of Cloaked in Beauty is its exploration of inner strength and redemption. Letty’s journey is not just physical, but emotional. She’s had to carry the weight of her past, but she emerges as a heroine who finds beauty in the world, despite the darkness she’s known. Philip’s arc is similarly redemptive, as he learns to let go of his cynicism and open himself up to love, a lesson that feels as much about personal healing as it is about trusting in someone else.

Fans of historical romance will find much to love in Cloaked in Beauty. Witemeyer’s writing is lush with detail, painting a vivid picture of 19th-century Texas while allowing the emotional stakes of the story to be highlighted. The romance between Letty and Philip is tender yet fiery, building slowly but surely until it begins to feels natural. Witemeyer creates characters that feel real—flawed but relatable—and their emotional journeys resonate with readers on a deep level.

The book is also perfect for those who enjoy a strong sense of adventure and suspense. The perilous journey that Letty and Philip embark on is thrilling, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. At the same time, the novel balances action with reflection, allowing readers to connect with the characters on an emotional level. It’s a book that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, romantic suspense, and anyone who enjoys a story with deeply developed characters and a satisfying, emotional payoff. Letty Hood is a heroine you’ll root for, and Philip Carmichael is the kind of hero readers won’t forget. This novel will warm your heart, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and emotionally resonant historical romance.

Cloaked in Beauty
by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Texas Ever After, Book 3
Rated: 3
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .
Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.
Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.”

Impressions: Although this is book 3 in its series this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. The familiar fairy tale of Red Riding Hood is retold with a spin in this historical Christian romance. The characters mimicked the fairy tale in their own unique way. Mrs. Radcliffe was a bit too perfect to be believed but she played her part in this story well. The romance was clean in that nothing more than a kiss was shared but there was plenty of desire woven through much of the story. By the end I was starting to get bored of the characters mooning over each other. This was a fun story and was easy to read.

Quotes: “Fear steals your sense, and good sense is a woman’s best weapon.”
“Worrying about tomorrow only served to steal the joy from today.”

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty is the third retelling of fairy tales by Karen Witemeyer.

Letty Hood is in hiding. For fifteen years. Her uncle has had a plan to do away with Letty so he can control the company Letty's father had built. But Letty grandmother took her away when she was five, to a safe place. Now as she is approaching her twenty first birthday, she will inherit her late fathers fortune and her uncle is getting desperate.

Pinkerton agent Phillip Carmichael has been hired to find Letty and bring her home. She turns out to be different than he expected an heiress to be.

This is a lovely story, told as only Karen Witemeyer can. Beautiful and unforgettable. A story about love, sacrifice, trust and forgiveness. A clean wholesome story that can be read as a stand alone. 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.

Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite historical authors. Cloaked in Beauty is a book based on the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood.
From the very beginning, the reader knows who the heroine and the villain are. The plot of the book seems a bit overdone. The young girl's life is in danger, so she is spirited away to live with her grandmother until she is at an age where she can handle her own affairs. The "woodcutter" of this story is a Pinkerton agent who has been hired to guard her on her passage home. Once he has delivered her to her mother, she ends up in the clutches of her evil uncle who wants all the money her father had left her. His greed overshadows his own good sense.

Now that I've exposed the weaknesses of the book, there are many aspects of the novel that are well thought out and well-written. She has used the characters well and developed them to their fullest. They played their part in the novel and had a great performance. The settings were well developed and quite believable. The plot has been done before, but it was still readable and enjoyable.

Four Stars.

Bethany House Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This is the third book in the fairy tale retellings by Karen Witemeyer. As you can imagine just the cover lets you in that it's going to be Red Ridinghood. I love that the author though doesn't make it super following of the tale. Yes there are some similarities: Granny, Scarlett, "Wolf", but there are more nods than actually following the story.

This is a very clever retelling and one that you will enjoy to the end. Sure it has predictable things, but that's okay. I loved that one of the wolves in the book (wink) is an actual WOLF that is a friend to Letty.

This one is just a solid read with some good faith themes. Very enjoyable.

4 stars

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Cloaked in Beauty is a beautiful story with some Little Red Riding Hood vibes. I enjoyed the main character, Letty Hood, though she was maybe a little too perfect to be relatable, definitely something to aspire to though. Overall I found it to be a great story but I could have done with less emphasis on the physical attraction between the two main characters, certain scenes were drawn out a little unnecessarily.

This is a story of two unlikely people meeting and working together for a common goal. Letty Radcliffe has to run for her life, literally. Her uncle was trying to kill her. Luckily her mother had a plan, and Letty grew up in obscurity with her grandmother and a pet wolf. Philip is a Pinkerton agent, hired to find her, by her mother. But once he finds her he needs to keep her safe from her uncle.

Their road to safety has many turns, some good and some bad. As their friendship blooms and grows, can it stay there?

I enjoyed the characters, their strength and fortitude. I love the wolf! This is a good read.

A reinvention of little red riding hood, Karen Witemeyer shows her writing skill as part of her new series. A stand alone book connected only through their connection to fairytales, Whitemeyer combines her strong characters with a story that could be entirely plausible.

With a biblical world view, this story will appeal to a wide range of ages and is just a darned good read. It will have you discovering all the books in the Texas ever after series.

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.

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer reminds readers a little bit of “Little Red Riding Hood.” There are obvious similarities, but there are differences too. Witemeyer does a wonderful job at crafting characters that readers will want to stay with as they journey back to Hood’s “home” in Houston, Texas. The plot has plenty of action with moments of secretive journeys and hiding from the main road. The plot moves forward at a nice pace. As for the ending, I wish the climactic moment was a little spread out a little. Felt a little rushed by the time the characters took us to that ending. In other words, there is some romance that occurs between Letty, the heroine, and Philip, the hero. When characters spend that much time together, obviously sparks are going to fly. Overall, Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer is a joy to read with movement and romance to spark any Fairy tale reader’s interest.

I received a complimentary copy of Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

CLOAKED IN BEAUTY by KAREN WITEMEYER is a most enjoyable novel based largely on two fairy tales,namely Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty. The story takes place in 1881.It is charming, exciting and very well told. i cannot recommend Cloaked in Beauty strongly enough.
The story starts with six year old heiress Scarlett Radcliffe being sent to live with her grandmother in a cabin in the woods to escape her wicked uncle who is after her fortune. There she lives happily with her precious grandmother and Rusty, her pet wolf. With her red cloak and chosen name of Letty Hood, she brings to mind her favourite fairy story……
Letty’s mother employs Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael to bring her home safely before her twenty first birthday, and he and her faithful Rusty are her
protection detail as they travel cross country, racing against time and trying to hide the truth about their precious cargo…….
I love the main characters, with their strong faith in God and their compassion for the less fortunate, and of course the love story is fairy tale worthy!
The villain and his cohorts are well described as we see them literally stop at nothing to get the prize.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved this book! If you love fairytales and books that are similar then you must definitely pick this one up. It is the 3rd(and I believe final) book in the Texas Ever After series. This had so many fairytale nods to it! Scarlett Radcliffe is sent away from home when her uncle tries to have her killed because she is heir to her father's estate. Fast forward 15 years and Letty is now days away from being able to claim her inheritance and once and for all put her uncle away. But first she needs to make it home to her mother safely. That is where Philip Carmichael comes in. He is hired to find Scarlett and get her safely home to her mother. As they get to know each other on the trip Philip can't help but wonder if the sweet girl he knows as Letty(with the red cloak and her wolf Rusty as her companion) will change once she dons her rightful place as Scarlett Radcliffe, heiress to the Radcliffe empire.

Such a sweet story! And so many references to beloved fairytales! I loved Letty's kind and loving and natural personality. I loved her dog Rusty! He almost felt human! The suspense in a couple parts had me closing the book quickly but then opening it again because I couldn't stand not knowing what happened! Author Karen Witemeyer never disappoints and Cloaked in Beauty was I believe my favorite of the 3 books!

A fast paced historical Christian fiction novel. The characters are well drawn out and interesting and the setting is fully described.

I was kept turning pages, anxious to see Phiip and Letty's respect for each other grow and for Letty to get to safety. For having lived such a sheltered life, she's strong and capable as a woman but both she and her mother use those qualities to help vulnerable children and speak up for the helpless and not as a means to further their own feminist agenda or career goals and I really respect people who use their strength in this way. Sometimes she makes choices to not listen to others because she knows the right thing to do and is compelled to do it. Would make for an interesting conversation in a book club.
I love the solidly Christian feel of the book all throughout and the way their faith is something the characters use, lean on, and grow in. Philip is a man of character and I appreciate the role model of someone who respects a woman and doesn't take advantage of his position with her despite his growing feelings.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ebook so I can write an honest review. All opinions are my own.