Tag Archive | Karen Witemeyer

To Love A Beast by Karen Witemeyer

Jun21

A Rose By Any Other Name

To Love A Beast by Karen Witemeyer is a very charming Christian historical tale that I loved. It is the first book in Once Upon A Time In Texas series and I cannot wait for more.

This is a charming re-imagining of Beauty & The Beast set in Texas in the late nineteenth century. It is all very cleverly done with its setting, choice of names and even the colour of the fabric of the dresses all reminding the reader of the original tale.

This is more than just a fairy tale. This has the hand and heart of God permeating the whole book.

We see that God is faithful and keeps His promise to never leave us. He goes with us even when we do not see Him. “Just because you can’t see any evidence of His presence doesn’t mean that God isn’t with you.” We can trust God with our lives. “God has everything under control.” In the chaos of life, nothing surprises God.

There is the theme of true beauty. “Your face does not define you… Your actions do.” True beauty leads from the heart. A heart that is pure and good and kind is always attractive. We need to show others the heart of God by what we do. “The man lived his faith… and… influenced the lives around him.”

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If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

May25

Trust Him

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a positively delightful Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the second book in the Texas Ever After series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This story is loosely based on Cinderella and all very cleverly done. There are also lessons of God’s goodness and faithfulness for us all.

We meet a character who is angry at God for not preventing her mother’s death years ago. She questions her aunt and uncle: “How had they let go of the pain and moved forward free of resentment, serving the Lord without reservation?” When life hits hard, we have a choice to make – will we become bitter? Or better?

In order to move forwards, we must release our burdens. “Forgiving was an ongoing process… It took an act of will and a healthy dose of God’s grace.” Forgiveness is not a one-off event. We have to keep on forgiving until we have exchanged our prison for praise.

We see that God is faithful. “He was watching over her. She could trust Him.” Whatever we go through, God walks beside us. “It’s good that the Lord never sleeps.” We need not fear for God will never let us down.

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Fairest Of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

May21

Faithful & True

Fairest Of Heart by Karen Witemeyer is a wonderful Christian historical novel that I read in just two sittings. It is the first book in the Texas Ever After series which is fabulous.

This is a story based loosely on Snow White. It has been re-imagined by Karen Witemeyer whilst retaining the bare bones and putting God in the mix. It is all very cleverly done and enchants the reader from the start.

We see the importance of knowing God. “She wasn’t alone. She had a Father who would never leave her or forsake her.” We can count on God to see us through even if all others abandon us. God is faithful and true.

God rescues us from our situations. “God had seen her through the darkest night… He’d see her through the realities of the day.” Whatever we face, God is already there. God loves each and everyone of us as if we were the only person on planet earth.

Sometimes the person God needs to rescue us from is ourselves. “The destructive power of self-blame.” We can be our own worst critic. God doesn’t want anyone, including ourselves, to bring us down. He wants us to live free and live loved.

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Cloaked In Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

Apr19

Wherever The Road Leads

Cloaked In Beauty by Karen Witemeyer is a powerful Christian historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the third book in Texas Ever After series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This is a book about love and riches. We see the steadfast love of three generations of women who will fiercely protect those whom they love. This even extends to Rusty, a pet wolf. He, too, loves and protects. Likewise, his owner also loves and protects him. It is a beautiful bond showing the loyalty of animals to their owners.

True riches are found in the hearts of others and in the love of God for His children.

We witness how the love of money and power totally corrupts as there are some black hearts within the novel. “He couldn’t imagine living a life where a person’s worth was judged by one’s finances, social connections and fashion sense.” We see the contrast between those who love riches and those who love others. “She preferred a cosy cottage surrounded by God’s creation over a society that judged women by their beauty, connections and ability to converse about the weather.” Slightly tongue-in-cheek and wonderfully written.

There is nothing wrong with having money. It is what you do with it that counts.

Within the tale we see references to fairytales, particularly Little Red Riding Hood. There are also Biblical illustrations as we witness two young boys being rescued and there is a widow who offers hospitality. She gives what little she has, after being faithful to the call of God on her heart.

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