To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer

To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer
Series: Once a Upon a Time in Texas, Book One
Hope & Light Publishing, June 10, 2025

Review by Kelly Goshorn

Disclaimer: Before I even picked up this novella, I knew I would love it. Karen Witemeyer is an auto buy author for me. Plus, I have enjoyed the author’s other fairytale retellings with a Texas twist, and since Beauty and the Beast is a most beloved story, I devoured this book.

Set in 1880s Texas, To Love a Beast is the first book in her new independently published collection Once Upon a Time in Texas (not to be confused with her Texas Ever After series Fairest of Heart, If the Boot Fits, and Cloaked in Beauty all from Bethany House Publishers).

To Love a Beast follows the story of Everett Griffin, the most eligible bachelor in the New York Four Hundred until a devastating encounter changes the course of his life forever. Despite his curt manner at first, I became rather fond of Everett. He is written so vulnerably, showing that his scars are not only physical, but deeply emotional as well, and he endeared himself to me rather quickly.

Callista Rosenfeld is the strong, persistent, and charming daughter of the local book binder. When her father injures his hand, Callista takes over his book binding contract at the mansion of a local recluse to prevent financial ruin from befalling her family.

Hold up together in Everett’s mansion, Callista begins to see a different side of Everett through his paintings. Over time, Callista is able to break through Everett’s carefully constructed walls and he dares to hope for a different life, one not secluded from others. As he gradually lets his guard down, he learns to see himself as God does. He learns to love himself and others again.

“Hope sees possibilities where fear sees only barriers. Hope trusts that God will rescue and restore, and it enables us to endure the interim.”

To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer

The author subtly weaves messages of self-acceptance, grace, and forgiveness into the story coupled with her trademark humor. These are such important messages for a time when outward beauty over inward is most prized, when one’s physical appearance matters more than one’s character.

The novel has ample amounts of danger, love, faith and redemption to keep the reader engaged. Fans of historical romance, fairytale retellings, western settings, or books with strong Christian themes will adore To Love a Beast. Witemeyer once again brings a warmth and wit to her storytelling that leaves a lasting impression long after the last page.

To Love a Beast is a solid five fish.

I did receive an electronic ARC from this author, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book so much, I purchased a print copy for my collection.