To Love a Beast - (Once Upon a Time in Texas) by Karen Witemeyer (Paperback)

About the Book

A beauty invades the home of a scarred recluse to save her family's book binding business, but more than books bind these two when a fearsome hunter attempts to write their ending.

Book Synopsis

Beauty & the Beast in 1800's Texas.

Once known among New York's elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family's book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin's staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor's remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

Review Quotes

"An intriguing historical romance! . . . Plenty of character development, moments of suspense, good themes, and a little humor . . . an entertaining read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction, historical romances, and fairy tale retellings."

- Interviews and Reviews on Fairest of Heart.

"Witemeyer proves once again that fairytales are not just for kids. [A] whimsical historical romance."

- The Stand on Fairest of Heart

"Witemeyer continues her Texas Ever After series ... with a spunky, Cinderella-inspired tale of unexpected love and intrigue set in the late 19th century... With a plot full of masked cowboys, family intrigue, and ranch politics, there's ample suspense to keep readers turning pages, and the romance between Asher and Samantha offers just enough sweetness to balance things out. Witemeyer's fans will be on the edge of their seats all the way through to the satisfying conclusion."

- Publisher's Weekly on If the Boot Fits

"An utterly charming and fun read from start to finish, If The Boot Fits continues to showcase author Karen Witemeyer's genuine flair for deftly crafted and original historical romance novels. Memorable characters, an engaging storyline, and a distinctive, narrative driven storytelling style, If The Boot Fits is a welcome and recommended pick."

- Wisconsin Bookwatch on If the Boot Fits

"Cloaked in Beauty is the delightful third installment in Witemeyer's popular Texas Ever After series. It integrates meaningful themes of integrity and identity with charming touchstones from Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, all told with the series' signature Texas twist. Its slow-burn romance is fueled by innocence born from purity rather than naiveté, and Letty is a sure-fire favorite heroine in her progressiveness, courage facing challenges, and mission to do what is right."

- Booklist on Cloaked in Beauty

". . . 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 . . . will warm your heart, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and emotionally resonant historical romance."

- Interviews & Reviews on Cloaked in Beauty