Celebrate Lit / July 6, 2025

To Love a Beast

About the Book To Love a Beast

Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defences.

When an injury to her father jeopardises the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfil the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

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My Thoughts on To Love a Beast

To Love a Beast is such a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast and you’re not going to want to miss it! Lots of laughing with this novel!

Everett was up in the height of New York society. A sought after bachelor. Until he one day met his match in a woman who was certifiably crazy and scarred him for life. After this he ran off from society to the wilds of Texas with a few trusted and faithful servants.

In his new community he’s seen as a beast. He doesn’t go out and about and the people haven’t met him so tall tales are told. But he has a wonderful large library and it’s in need of new binding.

That’s where our beauty comes in as she goes to do the binding. Originally it’s supposed to be her and her father, because he’s the actual name on the business, but he got hurt and it’s up to her to save their business by doing this big job. She’s not put off by his scars or his attitude. She’s determined to get this job done and be paid!

And then there’s the other man.

He was on the stagecoach with her. He’s annoying. And he’s arrogant. And he’s becoming a problem for them all. Callista wins all the hearts around her.

This was such a fun book and I really enjoyed learning about the book binding process. Highly recommend the novel to anyone who wants a sweet but also a bit of mystery and suspense romance read.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of To Love a Beast

Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Readers’ Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher and makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast was released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.

Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar”, and a gryphon is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen