I loved this retelling of Red Riding Hood. Charming Letty Hood, a humble, kind, and strong young woman, is thrown into a battle over her inheritance. Astute and handsome Pinkerton Detective, Philip Carmichael, must keep Letty safe. Witemeyer has done a fabulous job taking a well known story and creating a lovely tale of faith and hope. I found the story endearing and satisfying. I received a free copy and opinions are my own. #BethanyHouse #bookreview

This is a wonderful fairy tale-ish story with nods to Little Red Riding Hood. This is the third story in this series and I have enjoyed them all.
I think you could read each one independent of the others without any problem. And this one may be my favorite of all of them.
This one definitely had more suspense and more romantic feelings were evident.
This story seemed a bit more fantastical in parts than the others in the series.
The story was both exciting and humorous in turns And the faith element came so naturally.
The relationship grew between Letty and Philip so easily. They each were so caring and strong.
I loved Rusty the pet wolf, he was such a wonderful addition to the story.
All in all it was such a sweet story with a great ending. I recommend it highly.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

This was a Christian historical romance set in the late 1800s. It has tones of red riding hood with a red cloak and a wolf pet. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it is the third book in a series. I could tell that other books came before it because the detective agency did not have as much explanation behind it in this book as I would’ve expected if it was the first book they were mentioned in. Our heroine is an heiress in hiding and our hero is a private investigator who endeavors to find her bring her back safely as there have been attempts on her life. This was a good read. The first half of the book I got bogged down a little bit in some of the details and it didn’t move as quickly as I wanted but the second half moved faster and I enjoyed it. Our heroine was very atypical as she grew up in the outdoors and not the city life of a socialite. I enjoy these two and they are getting to know each other, the slow burn of romance, the mystery and suspense, and the family and faith. I would try another by this author.

"Cloaked in Beauty" by Karen Witemeyer is a beautiful retelling of Little Red Riding Hood but set in Texas. Our heroine Letty is hiding with her grandmother from her uncle who is the big bad wolf. Her best friend is her wolf Rusty. As she reaches her 21st birthday, her mother sends Philip to fetch her back home and keep her safe from her uncle.

This book caught my attention right at the beginning and held it until the very end. This is a great fairytale retelling, reimagined into it's own intriguing story with a faith-filled characters who rely on God to guide their lives.

There is action, adventure, a true evil villain and a hero who is definitely swoon-worthy in his actions. Letty was a very likeable character and had depth to her which is nice to see in a rich heroine's story. I truly enjoyed this book and it's one I can see re-reading in the future.

I would recommend this book to high schoolers on up. It is a clean, sweet Christian historical fiction romance. There are some dangerous scenes in the book but ones that would be fine for most readers, unless they are very sensitive. This is definitely a book I will recommend again and again.

Thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A clean historical romance with adventure, faith and hope.

This creative and inspiring western take on a few fairytales is set in 1896, Texas, featuring a young woman in danger and a Pinkerton agent sent to escort her safely back home. It is an epic road trip with peril and some personal struggles along the way. There are touching moments and romantic tension between the pair as they journey along.

"There's no problem bigger than our God. Remember that."
Scarlett, or Letty as she prefers, is a kind-hearted, courageous young woman. She was easy to root for in her difficult situation. Her grandmother is full of wisdom and encouragement. The nods to Red Riding Hood are fun, complete with a sweet (but tough) grandmother and a wolf as a pet. A bit of Sleeping Beauty is seen too in Phillip, who is a prince of a man. Their romance is indeed charming and he is a terrific hero.

A satisfying read for those who enjoy romantic historical adventures. Should be fine for older teens and up. 4.5 stars

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for my advance electronic copy via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Letty Hood was sent to live in hiding in the woods with her grandmother at a young age. Now that she is almost old enough to receive her inheritance, her mother has sent Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael to bring her safely home to claim her vast wealth. But their journey is fraught with perils of all kinds, and the two find themselves growing closer together until they are both in danger of losing their hearts to each other.

This was a sweet, closed-door/chaste romance with conservative Christian values. The setting interested me as east Texas of the late 19th Century was not an era or an area that I'm familiar with. This was a true "over the river and through the woods" adventure with characters you want to root for and themes of finding out who you are and if you can live in more than one world and still be true to yourself.

Triggers: past death of parent, arson

I loved this sweet, exciting story from Karen Witemeyer! Cloaked in Beauty combines elements of the Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood fairy tales, plus plenty of surprises and Western charm. Philip and Letty were both relatable in their own ways, and Rusty the wolf was such a cute and fun “sidekick.” I know Karen has at least one more book coming in this series, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Definitely add this one to your TBR! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Overall another sweet Witemeyer western. Of the 3 in the Trilogy I still think I enjoy book one best for the fairy tale retelling. Though this one had some of the sweetest romance overall. The pet wolf was a really fun aspect and happy to report he loved for whole book no animal deaths which is always a relief.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC this is my honest review.

I enjoyed this book so much! Philip and Letty are such likable characters--good, practical people who don't play games but are honest about their feelings. I like how they were both strong and could work together and rely on each other; Letty took the lead sometimes and Philip did at others.

I loved the Christian themes; the characters' faith was truly part of their lives and they trusted in the Lord to help them and guide them.

While I really enjoyed the characters, the plot was a bit less interesting to me. The threat was off-screen for so much of the book (we don't really see Letty's uncle much) and thenwhen it was front and center, it all got resolved fairly quickly. I also felt like Philip's legitimate concern about why he and Letty might not have a future together got resolved perhaps a bit too easily (or quickly, in terms of pages in the book)--but I really appreciated the problem was NOT have the stereotypical "I'm not good enough for her because she's so wealthy" theme. Still, the sweet romance, the great characters, and the inspiring messages make this an excellent book.

4.5 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for the ARC of Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer. All opinions are my own.

This is book three in the Texas Ever After series, but each book is a standalone book about different characters with a unique fairytale retelling.

I’ve read the other books in this series and enjoyed both of them. However, this book is definitely my favorite, and I didn’t want to put it down!
This book was romantic, exciting, and full of great spiritual moments.

Letty and Philip quickly became friends, and their friendship seemed so natural and sweet. I liked that they never tried to be someone they were not. They were sweet and caring, but I was also impressed with the physical boundaries they put in place since they were alone together so much.

The journey throughout the book was exciting and at times funny. Letty’s pet wolf Rusty was such an enjoyable addition to the story with how protective he was and the funny moments between him and Philip.

One thing that really impressed me and made me enjoy the story even more was the faith elements. I could tell that the characters were strong Christians, but they weren’t pushy or preachy with their faith. I really admired their selflessness and self-control that they exhibited throughout the story.

Overall, I really loved this book and was so sad when it was over.

{Thank you to @netgalley and to the publisher for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.}

I love this series so much! Cloaked in Beauty has been one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2024, after falling in love with the first two books in this series earlier this year. Thankfully, the third installment did not disappoint! I absolutely adored this book!

Set in 1800s Texas, each book of this series is a fairy tale retelling with a Western romantic suspense spin. The best part is that these books also are filled with deep faith themes and biblical theology seamlessly woven into the storylines and characters.

Cloaked in Beauty is a Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty retelling, and the combining of these fairytales into this unique story worked perfectly. I could not put this book down and devoured it in ONE day.

I can’t recommend this series enough!

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer is an engaging new narrative on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. And it is one you will not be able to put down.

While the story is loosely based on Red Riding Hood with our main character, Letty Hood, wearing a red cape, the twist is Rusty—her trusted and faithful companion, a wolf she raised as a pup.

Letty has been in hiding with her grandmother since she was a child because her uncle (who is the actual wolf) has been trying to find her so he can kill her and grab her inheritance. But now she is turning 21, and she needs to return to society to claim her inheritance and be done with her uncle forever. And it is Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael’s job to get her home safely.

I loved everything about this book. Philip is a charismatic hero, trying desperately to keep Letty and her reputation safe as they travel alone from the backwoods of East Texas to Houston. His attraction to Letty and hers to him is a sweet romance that made this book hard to put down.

I also loved the faith element Witemeyer has expertly included. I also appreciated that she didn’t make Letty someone who was timid and afraid of everything. She is a wonderful heroine who is intelligent and brave enough to face whatever obstacles come her way.

If you like historical romance, you will love Cloaked in Beauty. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

What a fun retelling of Little Red Riding Hood!

I loved this story. It’s been a while since I’ve been so enthralled with each character. Karen Witemeyer does an excellent job of creating characters that readers want to see succeed in all their hopes and dreams.

Heiress Scarlett Radcliffe, alias Letty Hood, has been in hiding with her grandmother in the woods since the age of six. Fearing for her daughter’s life, Scarlett’s mother sends her into hiding until her 21st birthday when she is to inherit her deceased father’s fortune.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael, is hired by Letty’s mother to find her and bring her home. An honorable man, ready to leave the life of a Pinkerton behind, eventually discovers Letty’s whereabouts and takes her across treacherous country to reunite her with her mother.

I love that Letty’s pet is a wolf, which plays just as large a role in the story as Letty and Philip do. A doting grandmother, an evil uncle and faithful servants round out the cast of characters. And a sweet romance develops between Letty and Philip, despite the large age difference.

And a lovely twist to the end of the story will have readers in tears. Better grab your tissues for this one!

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was so good! I really enjoyed the characters and the plot was GREAT. I really enjoyed this one. The plot was unique, even as it called back to very familiar fairy tales. I see that as a mark of a great author. Not everyone can take a known plot and make it feel unique and fresh.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A great third book in this series (and they are each stand-alone novels). This is a fun story using the Red Riding Hood theme. Almost the entire story takes place while on a journey where the two main characters are the only ones on the page, yet it never got slow or boring—the events moved the story right along. There was bit of mystery and unknown in the ending and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This third fairy tale rework in the Texas Ever After Series, with vibes of Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White, is an engaging, cleverly plotted western story set in the late 1800s. The wonderful, well-crafted cast of characters is headlined by courageous and determined heiress Scarlett Radcliffe, alias Letty Hood, and honorable, dependable, handsome hero Pinkerton Agent Philip Carmichael. I enjoyed their adventurous journey to thwart her ruthless uncle’s plans and preserve her father’s legacy. I love the way they grow personally and in their relationship with each other through the danger and uncertainties they encounter on the journey. Rusty, Letty’s pet wolf, adds a delightfully unique element to the mix. I appreciate the encouraging faith aspect that flows naturally throughout the story reminding us of God’s caring, comfort, and guidance. A sneak preview of Ms. Witemeyer’s next series is a pleasing bonus! I think fans of fairy tales and historical romance will love this book and the series. Note: Each book in the series can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty is the third book in the Texas Ever After series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

A historical western retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty? Um, yes please! This was such a fantastic read with just the right blend of romance, a sense of danger and nods to the original fairy tales. One of the things that I loved about the previous books in the series is that while those nods are certainly there and evident, it also felt like it's own unique story too. With this particular story being a mix of both Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, I did personally see more on the first within the story--- the red cloak she wears, a pet wolf, etc. while I think the Sleeping Beauty references might have been more subtle (though admittedly, it could be that I'm just not as familiar with the story to notice them as well). Either way, I loved how those familiar elements were woven so perfectly. If you love historical romance and fairy tale retellings, this is absolutely a series you won't want to miss.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Karen Witemeyer’s Cloaked in Beauty is a captivating historical romance set in the rugged landscapes of 19th-century Texas. With a blend of suspense, romance, and rich character development, Witemeyer takes readers on a journey that’s as much about survival as it is about discovering the depth of the human heart.

The story centers around Letty Hood, a young woman who’s spent the last 15 years in hiding with her grandmother to escape the dangerous machinations of an uncle who wants her dead. Letty’s life has been one of secrecy, fear, and isolation, but as her 21st birthday approaches, she is thrust into a perilous situation: she must leave her hidden existence behind, journeying to Houston with a stranger to claim a vast inheritance that could make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. But the threat to her life still looms, and time is running out.

Enter Philip Carmichael, a Pinkerton agent hired to escort Letty safely through treacherous terrain. Philip expects to meet a pampered, spoiled heiress, but instead, he encounters a woman of intelligence, courage, and emotional depth. Throughout their journey, Letty’s resilience and kindness challenge Philip’s cynicism and hardened heart, and he finds himself torn between his duty to protect her and his growing feelings for her. But with danger at every turn, their path forward is fraught with tension, uncertainty, and peril.

At the heart of Cloaked in Beauty is the slow-burn romance between Letty and Philip. The story carefully weaves their relationship, balancing moments of tension and affection with the ever-present danger that shadows their every move. Witemeyer excels in portraying their emotional growth and personal struggles. Letty, despite the trauma she’s faced, remains strong, compassionate, and resourceful. She’s not just a damsel in distress, but a woman who’s fought for survival her entire life and is determined to protect herself and those she loves.

Philip, on the other hand, is a man who has been hardened by years of dangerous work as a Pinkerton agent. He’s wary of becoming emotionally involved, particularly with a woman like Letty, who represents everything he’s never allowed himself to care about. His transformation over the course of the novel is powerful to watch—he learns to see Letty not just as a job to be done, but as someone worthy of his heart.

Witemeyer masterfully builds suspense throughout the book. As Letty and Philip journey through Texas, the stakes grow higher, and the threats against Letty’s life become more dire. This constant undercurrent of danger keeps the reader on edge, wondering what will happen next. The book blends action with emotional depth, ensuring that even when the characters are in the midst of peril, their personal growth and evolving feelings never take a backseat.

One of the most compelling aspects of Cloaked in Beauty is its exploration of inner strength and redemption. Letty’s journey is not just physical, but emotional. She’s had to carry the weight of her past, but she emerges as a heroine who finds beauty in the world, despite the darkness she’s known. Philip’s arc is similarly redemptive, as he learns to let go of his cynicism and open himself up to love, a lesson that feels as much about personal healing as it is about trusting in someone else.

Fans of historical romance will find much to love in Cloaked in Beauty. Witemeyer’s writing is lush with detail, painting a vivid picture of 19th-century Texas while allowing the emotional stakes of the story to be highlighted. The romance between Letty and Philip is tender yet fiery, building slowly but surely until it begins to feels natural. Witemeyer creates characters that feel real—flawed but relatable—and their emotional journeys resonate with readers on a deep level.

The book is also perfect for those who enjoy a strong sense of adventure and suspense. The perilous journey that Letty and Philip embark on is thrilling, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. At the same time, the novel balances action with reflection, allowing readers to connect with the characters on an emotional level. It’s a book that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, romantic suspense, and anyone who enjoys a story with deeply developed characters and a satisfying, emotional payoff. Letty Hood is a heroine you’ll root for, and Philip Carmichael is the kind of hero readers won’t forget. This novel will warm your heart, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and emotionally resonant historical romance.

Cloaked in Beauty
by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Texas Ever After, Book 3
Rated: 3
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “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.”

Impressions: Although this is book 3 in its series this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. The familiar fairy tale of Red Riding Hood is retold with a spin in this historical Christian romance. The characters mimicked the fairy tale in their own unique way. Mrs. Radcliffe was a bit too perfect to be believed but she played her part in this story well. The romance was clean in that nothing more than a kiss was shared but there was plenty of desire woven through much of the story. By the end I was starting to get bored of the characters mooning over each other. This was a fun story and was easy to read.

Quotes: “Fear steals your sense, and good sense is a woman’s best weapon.”
“Worrying about tomorrow only served to steal the joy from today.”

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Cloaked in Beauty is the third retelling of fairy tales by Karen Witemeyer.

Letty Hood is in hiding. For fifteen years. Her uncle has had a plan to do away with Letty so he can control the company Letty's father had built. But Letty grandmother took her away when she was five, to a safe place. Now as she is approaching her twenty first birthday, she will inherit her late fathers fortune and her uncle is getting desperate.

Pinkerton agent Phillip Carmichael has been hired to find Letty and bring her home. She turns out to be different than he expected an heiress to be.

This is a lovely story, told as only Karen Witemeyer can. Beautiful and unforgettable. A story about love, sacrifice, trust and forgiveness. A clean wholesome story that can be read as a stand alone. This is definitely a must read if you enjoy a good story. I love how Witemeyer weaves how God is working in their lives. All in all it's a beautiful well written story. What we have come to expect from Ms. Witemeyer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.