Historical Romance Book Review: Cloaked in Beauty

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About the Book

Title: Cloaked in Beauty 

Series: Texas Ever After, Book 3 

Authors: Karen Witemeyer 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers  

Release Date: December 17, 2024 

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel. 

Publisher's Book Description

“Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . . 
 
Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit. 
 
Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.” 

 

My Review

Cloaked in Beauty, by Karen Witemeyer, is the third book in the Texas Ever After series. This novel is a western fairytale retelling with elements of the classic Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty stories woven together into a fresh, new tale. Plenty of cleverly reimagined fairytale elements add a unique twist to this historical romance. From the very first page, this book is simply riveting. Brimming with intrigue, danger, romance, and adventure, this novel is truly enjoyable and compelling. 

 

Ms. Witemeyer’s talent as a storyteller shines within this novel. With much care and creativity, she has crafted an engaging story that is genuinely entertaining. Detailed descriptions, integral settings, dynamic characters, and an intriguing plot contribute to this novel’s appeal. Timeless themes of selflessness, love, humility, compassion, and courage are also there to be savored. 

 

This book also includes characters who are sympathetic and inspiring. Not only do they face significant insecurities and uncertainties throughout the story, but they also grapple with the challenges that come from loss, betrayal, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Often, these characters are motivated to make choices and take actions that are unexpected and thought-provoking making this novel quite moving. Despite the imminent threats of danger and deceit, the characters reveal hearts filled with honor and strength, while courageously choosing loyalty and self-sacrifice. These meaningful moments of integrity and bravery are mingled with unexpected twists that make this book very memorable. 

 

From beginning to end, Cloaked in Beauty is a very worthy novel. Well-written, thoughtful, and heartwarming, this book is truly special. It is an impressive addition to a fantastic series, and I eagerly recommend it. 

 

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher/author and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own. 

 

About the Author: Karen Witemeyer

“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.” --Biography from Karen Witemeyer’s website.

Click here to visit Karen Witemeyer's website.

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