I’m beyond thrilled to welcome one of my very favorite historical romance authors back to Romancing History today, Karen Witemeyer. Karen is going to introduce us to Penelope Snow, the heroine of her upcoming release, Fairest of Heart, Book 1 in the Texas Ever After series (releases June 6). I’m really looking forward to this collection of Fairy Tale retellings with a Texas twist.
Karen has generously offered an autographed copy to one lucky Romancing History reader, so please be sure to visit the Giveaway section for the details on how to enter before you leave.
Meet Penelope Snow
Hello, everyone. My name is Penelope Snow and I’m delighted to meet you. I’ve been asked to share a bit about myself, though I’d really rather listen to your story. I’m not a fan of being in the limelight. I’d much rather be in the background, quietly working without garnering any attention. This preference has served me well in my current position as maid to highly acclaimed actress, Madame LaBelle. She’s a stunningly beautiful woman and extremely talented. Yes, she can be rather demanding and even harsh at times, but I’ve learned how to navigate her moods. After a scandal besmirched my name back in Chicago, I’m thankful to have the work, though I dream of a day when I might be free to find a place of my own to belong. Perhaps even find a man to love—one who values me not for my face or figure, but for who I truly am inside.
Five Fast Facts
- I’m an orphan.
- Beauty has caused me nothing but heartache, so I hide my figure beneath shapeless dresses and avoid male attention as much as possible.
- My worth is found in my ability to work hard.
- I secretly long for a true family.
- My best friend is Oliver – as in Oliver Twist, a book by Charles Dickens. Oliver and I have marvelous adventures together. Including the time I was nearly run down by the horse of a Texas Ranger.
Character Q & A
RH: Are you a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty kind of person?
PS: I’m definitely a half-full girl. God’s mercies are new every morning, and I start each day with a fresh supply of hope. No matter how grumpy or cruel or strange a person might be, I look for the good in them. Sometimes I have to dig pretty far, but I always find something to admire.
RH: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
PS: Being found wearing nothing but my undergarments and an old blanket by six gray-haired drovers and one far-too-handsome Ranger. Heavens, if I hadn’t just spent a harrowing night trying to escape being tied to a tree and left as bait for wild animals, I might have tried to hide from them. But I needed help so badly, and they were all so kind. The Ranger even gave me his shirt to wear. Sigh . . . that’s probably when I started falling in love with him.
RH: If you could be an animal, which would you choose and why?
PS: I’d choose a meadowlark. Can’t you imagine? The freedom to soar above the world and its problems. A cozy nest to snuggle up in at night with a mate and perhaps a few hatchlings. I’m not sure about eating worms, but, oh, to have the gift of song! To sing instead of speak, and to bring joy to anyone who bends an ear to listen. That would be heavenly!
RH: What is your most treasured possession?
PS: I have very few things that I can call my own. Oliver, of course. A Bible. And a photograph of me and Edith, the cook at Wyndham’s School of Girls in Chicago. She was the one who found me abandoned on the school’s back stoop. She raised me, taught me to cook, and most of all, taught me to believe in a God who cares for all his children, even the ones discarded by the world.
RH: Tell us about your romantic interest?
PS: Oh, my. Well, if you must know, I have a terrible crush on a Texas Ranger named Titus Kingsley. The first time I met him he was trying to save a dog’s life. I knew instantly that he was a man of character and nobility. As a lawman, he has a strong sense of justice, but he can also be incredibly thoughtful and kind. It really is a shame that he thinks I’m the jewel thief he’s hunting.
About the Book
Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the west, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters—and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.
After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from females and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.
With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus investigates a robbery case tied to Penelope’s old acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus’s heart divines a different truth—one that might just get Penelope killed.
An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.
Available at AMAZON B&N Christianbook Walmart Kobo
About the Author
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.
Stay connected with Karen via her website, her Facebook Group – The Posse, or on Goodreads.
Giveaway*
This giveaway is now closed!
Congratulations to our winner, Cheryl C.!!
Karen is offering a signed copy of Fairest of Heart to one Romancing History visitor. To enter, let us know what your favorite fairy tale is in the comments below.
Melinda
This was such a fun interview to read.
My favourite fairy tales are Beauty & the Beast because love grows when there is nothing physically handsome about the beast at the start. And Belle see past his exterior & gruffness into his pain.
My other favourite is Cinderella because the underdog wins.
romancinghistory
Welcome to Romancing History, Melinda! I love that you not only know what you like but why you like them. Well done.
Lisa Parrish
My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast, although I also love Rose Red and Rose White.
romancinghistory
Hi Lisa, Welcome to Romancing History! I’d forgotten all about Rose Red. I enjoyed that story as a child.
Emily
My favorite fairytale would probably be Rapunzel…I loved the movie Tangled, which I guess is a spinoff version of the original.
romancinghistory
Hi Emily, Rapunzel is a great story! And you’re the first to mention that one! WTG!!
Martha Artyomenko
I would say that my favorite would maybe Goose Girl…
romancinghistory
Hi Martha, I don’t know Goose Girl. I’m gonna have to look that one up. Thanks for commenting today!
Renee Wolverton
Hmm… good question. I’m going to have to go with Cinderella, I think.
romancinghistory
Good choice!
Kelsie
I have been wanting to read this book so badly! My favorite fairy tail? So hard to choose! The original beauty and beast maybe?
Beth
I love the Twelve Dancing Princesses and also Beauty and the Beast. ☺️
romancinghistory
Hi Beth, I’m unfamiliar with The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I’ll have to look that up. Thanks for commenting.
Carolyn West
I’m not big on fairy tales, but guess little red riding hood. The wolf gets his dues at the end.
Trudy
Beauty and the Beast (because of the “old” tv show with Ron Perlman) and Cinderella.
romancinghistory
Huh, I don’t this one, Trudy. I’ll have to look it up! Thanks for visiting today!
Alma Blinn
I love the sleeping beauty fairytale!
romancinghistory
I think this might be my favorite too though Beauty and the Beast would be a close second.
Lexi Henegar
Beauty and the Beast. Mostly I want her library! But I love the enchanted castle and how much belle cares for others.
romancinghistory
I’m with you all the way, Lexi! Thanks for stopping by!
bn100
Snow White
romancinghistory
The part in the forest when the she’s running away always scared me as a child but I do love the dwarves.
Karen Rhoades
My favorite was Cinderella. I loved that there was only one lady in the land who was for the Prince. And he had to find her. There are so many things to love about that story.
romancinghistory
I agree, Karen. It’s a lovely story. Have you seen the Ever After adaptation with Drew Barrymore! FAVORTIE!
Mrs Brent Magers
Cinderella
romancinghistory
Good choice and there are so many wonderful adaptations as well!
Maryann S.
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale. I love that Belle enjoys reading and has a kind heart.
romancinghistory
Hi Mary Ann, it’s hard not to love Belle for that fact alone plus she tames that angry beast!
Roxanne C.
Cinderella was definitely my favorite fairytale when I was a child.
romancinghistory
Hi Roxanne, Cinderella is a favorite of mine, too!
Connie Lorenz
I’ve always loved the all but Beauty and the Beast always draws me in!
romancinghistory
That is a great story, Connie! Thanks for visiting today!
Karen Witemeyer
Love all these fairy tales! My Texas Ever After Series plans to use the following:
Book 1 – Snow White
Book 2 – Cinder-fella (a boot gets left behind at a ball)
Book 3 – A mashup of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty
Novella – Beauty & the Beast – I couldn’t leave without a Belle-ish story. She’s my favorite.
romancinghistory
Oh this is valuable info! I’m so excited about what is coming! Cinder-fella – a boot gets behind at a ball! Love, love, love it!
Cynthia Roemer
Hi Kelly! Cinderella, the Lion and the Mouse, and Elves and the Shoemaker are among my favorites. This sounds like such a fun read!
Perrianne Askew
I like Cinderella the best.
romancinghistory
Have you ever seen the Ever After adaptation with Drew Barrymore? That is probably my favorite version of the Cinderalla story. Well, there was Jerry Lewis in Cinderfella. Boy is that ever a blast from the past!
Cynthia Roemer
I love Jerry Lewis in Cinderfella!! I need to watch that again. =0
Shonda Fischer
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite.
romancinghistory
Hi Shonda, Beauty and the Beast is quite popular. Thanks for visiting the blog today!
Perrianne Askew
I don’t believe that I have! I’ll have to check that out.
Cheryl C.
Beauty and the Beast
romancinghistory
Excellent choice!
Brenda Gordon
Cinderella & Beauty and the Beast
romancinghistory
Excellent choices!
Lori Cole
I like the story of Beauty & the Beast. 🙂
romancinghistory
Oh, this is a good one! Might be my favorite, too! I need to think on it a bit more!
Josie Wade
For me it’s probably Cinderella or Little Red Riding Hood.
Such a fun interview!
romancinghistory
Hi Josie, Fun to see you here! Good luck in the drawing!
Linda Henderson
Snow White
romancinghistory
Snow White always scared me as a kid but I enjoy it a lot more now. Thanks for visiting!
Lori Wachtman
Sleeping Beauty followed by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs….
romancinghistory
This has always been a favorite of mine, too!