Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

*** Review ***

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. Drawing inspiration from the famous fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Witemeyer weaves a tale that is both familiar and fresh, offering a unique perspective on the classic story.

The story unfolds in the beautiful landscapes of Texas during the 1800s. Our protagonist, Penelope Snow, is a young woman whose beauty has been nothing but a curse. As a personal maid for a famous actress and her troupe, Penelope hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses, trying to avoid attention. However, her efforts prove futile as she attracts the wrong kind of attention, leaving her prospects in ruins and her jealous mistress plotting against her.

Enter Titus Kingsley, a Texas Ranger who has learned to expect the worst from women. With his brother’s tragic fate in mind, he is determined to keep a close eye on Penelope when she takes up residence at his grandfather’s ranch with a group of old drovers. When a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe arises, Titus is assigned to investigate, and all evidence seems to point to Penelope’s guilt. But as Titus gets to know her, he begins to see that appearances can be deceiving, and Penelope might just be the fairest woman of all.

One of the positive aspects of Fairest of Heart is the author’s ability to create an interesting tale based on a famous fairytale while adding her own twists and turns. Witemeyer’s storytelling is engaging, and she manages to capture the readers’ attention with the mild conflict and tension throughout the narrative. Instead of relying on explicit violence, the author focuses more on the emotional growth and personal development of the characters, making the story appealing to a wider audience.

Furthermore, the romance in the novel is tender and heartfelt, with a focus on the emotional connection between the characters rather than explicit sexual content. This allows readers to enjoy the romantic journey without being subjected to explicit or graphic scenes. The chemistry between the main characters is fantastic, and the inclusion of a little mystery adds intrigue to the plot.

Witemeyer’s portrayal of the Wild West in the 1800s serves as the perfect backdrop for this story. The ranch setting is beautifully described, immersing readers in the rugged beauty of the Texas landscape. The inclusion of a dramatic headline performer for a traveling show as the cat burgling villain adds an exciting element to the narrative. It showcases the author’s ability to blend historical elements with elements of a classic fairytale.

The parallels and differences between the fairytale and the novel are well-executed, adding depth and complexity to the story. Witemeyer cleverly incorporates elements from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs into the narrative, creating a sense of familiarity while also offering surprises and unique twists. Readers who are fans of fairy tale retellings will appreciate the author’s creativity in adapting the story to a historical setting.

In terms of writing style, Witemeyer showcases her talent with excellent character development and a lovable cast of side characters. Each character is distinct and well-rounded, with their own quirks and personalities that add richness to the story. The multiple points of view enhance the reading experience, providing different perspectives and allowing readers to connect with various characters throughout the book.

However, it should be noted that some readers might find the excessive innuendo and constant reminders of the two women characters’ curvy and ‘busty’ figures to be distracting or unnecessary. While these elements may add to the characterization and setting of the story, they could have been handled with more subtlety.

In conclusion, Fairest of Heart is an entertaining Christian fiction novel that blends historical romance, fairy tale retellings, and elements of the Wild West. Karen Witemeyer’s ability to create a captivating narrative with interesting characters and a sweet romance makes this book a recommended read for fans of Christian fiction and historical romances. Despite minor flaws, the overall storytelling, character development, and delightful blend of genres make Fairest of Heart a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf. With its enchanting tale and engaging themes, Fairest of Heart is a book that will leave readers longing for more of Witemeyer’s storytelling magic.