To Love a Beast By: Karen Witemeyer

 


"Think of your Bible, the cover worn and tattered in places.  Yet, I'd wager you value that Bible more than any of the other books in our collection.  It's not the cover that inspires love, Everett.  It's what's inside.."  Karen Witemeyer in To Love a Beast

Every young girl grows up loving a good fairy tale, where the princess finds her Prince Charming and happily ever after.  Karen Witemeyer has masterfully created a series of historical fiction fairy tales, that readers such as myself will fall in love with as they not only re-live their childhood, but are able to see the true author of the greatest love story ever.  Karen masterfully with humor and grace takes readers back to a time in American history where chilvary was still practiced, and family and faith were important.  

I started on my fairy tale journey with Karen Witemeyer in her Texas Ever After series and was so excited that she decided to continue her fairy tales with To Love a Beast her first book in Once Upon a Time in Texas.  Fans of Christian fiction (Pepper Basham, Mary Connealy, and Jen Turano).  

Take a trip to Texas where Everett Griffin has escaped after an injury to his face scars him not only on the outside but the inside as well.  He has hidden himself in his new home becoming a recluse with only his beast of a dog and staff as company.  Enter Callista Rosenfeld as she journeys to his home to bind the books in his massive and well loved library in place of her injured father.  Much like the much loved fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, Callista finds herself in a situation where she is not truly welcomed by Everett, even though the dog and the staff welcome her with open arms.  Throughout her time there, she manages to break through the walls of Everett's defenses and discovers another true kindred spirit and artist.  Everett, learns that what is on the inside is much more important than the outside.   

This is a beautiful love story and reminder that with God as the author of our story all things are possible.  Everett feels that no one can ever love him, because of his physical scars; and Callista is afraid to take the leap of faith because of her father and and not feeling good enough because of his family's wealth.  Reading their journey in faith and falling in love, I was constantly reminded of the story of David.  How when Samuel went to annoint the next king of Israel.  Of all the sons of Jesse, David was the youngest and based on his outward appearance was the least likely to be picked as king.  If Samuel followed his own thoughts he would have surely anointed David's oldest brother.  He is stopped by the Lord and reminded of this all important truth:  "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."  I Samuel 16:7.  

This is a book that is definitely worth reading.  It is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Amazon Kindle.  I urge readers to take the time to journey back in time (both in American History and to their own childhood where you still believed in fairy tales).  More importantly, the truths that Karen Witemeyer brings out through the memorable dialogue between characters will remind readers of the the love that their Heavenly Father has for each of them.   Simba also agrees that this is the puurfect 4 paw book to curl up with and escape with Everett and Callista and their dog (even though he said an orange cat would have been just as good).  Happy Reading!!   

Friends, I also have to add that I was able to enjoy this amazing book on my Kindle that my loving husband surprised me with for my Birthday.  What a blessing it has been and I love my Kindle unlimited subscription allowing me to read many great Christian romance books.  

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