Jocelyn Green joins us for a chat about her favorite books, Egyptomania, and her latest release The Metropolitan Affair. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!
For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at masked heroes of television including Zorro and The Loan Ranger.
Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the west, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters—and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.
After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from females and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.
With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus investigates a robbery case tied to Penelope’s old acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus’s heart divines a different truth—one that might just get Penelope killed.
An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.
The Review
I just finished reading Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer and I absolutely loved it. This is a book that gets you tight in the throat in a good way.
The spirit of Snow White is so well captivated in sweet, strong Penelope that I found myself connecting with her on an emotional level. True, she is nearly angelic, but Karen’s portrayal of her goodness is so authentic one could hardly claim it contrived, at least—that is— if you know your Bible. Why, is this you ask? More than her personality or characteristics, what makes Penelope a princess is her kind and gentle spirit of Godly love and selflessness.
As for the Seven Dwarfs, that is seven retired ranch hands, Doc had me missing my childhood pastor while sweet Rowdy (who portrays Dopey from Disney’s classic version) had me wanting to dive into the pages and wrap my arms around him. And did I mention Grumpy. I mean Jeb. Nothing like a cantankerous, loving old man to make you want to watch a John Wayne movie.
As for the hero—Titus Kingsley (I love that name!) is a hardened man though not so much he treats Penelope, or anyone else, like a doormat. He is wise when confronted with Narcissa—the beautiful actress extraordinaire. I really enjoyed reading about a heroic man who was flawed yet didn’t turn into a complete numbskull in the face of a seductress like the female villain. This is by far, my favorite retelling of Snow White.
If you are feeling reminiscent for the old Disney we grew up on but want something wholesome and endearing with a Western spin, pick up a copy of Karen Witemeyer’s Fairest of heart!
The Author
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes.
Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings.
She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
In this Pinch of the Past, we take a peek at train travel in the 1800s. With no shortage of first-class passengers clamoring for tickets, Pullman invented all sorts of specialty cars. Smoking cars, reading cars, cars for listening to music, or cars designed like parlors for relaxing. They featured carpeted floors, mirrors in gilded frames, marble and walnut washstands, colorfully frescoed ceilings, and silver-plated metal trappings. (Full post here.)
Book Review: If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction with plenty of danger, and enemies-to-lovers romance, pick up a copy of The Sound of Diamonds. This is the first book in the Steadfast Love Series, so if you find yourself hooked, there’s more to enjoy. (Full post here.)
In our Pinch of the Past we take a peek at New Years traditions and where they originated from. From the 12 Grapes of to Luck in Spain to the burning of scarecrows in Eucadore and wassailing in the colonial period.
Bookworm Review: If you’re in the mood for sweet love stories with beautifully described countryside, and themes that put one in the mood for Christmas, you won’t want to miss Under The Texas Mistletoe by Karen Witemeyer.
For those who love to smile as they read, today’s guest offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen Witemeyer chats with us about her 3-in-1 Christmas novella collection Under The Texas Mistletoe.
