Book Recommendation - If the Boot Fits

 

Karen Witemeyer is well known for her Western historical romance novels. Her current series is a "Texas Ever After" series, which are fairytale retellings. Though they are a series, they are not inter-connected other than by fairytale retelling theme. Her upcoming release is a Cinderella story, but with a twist in that it's actually a Cinder-fella story. I thoroughly enjoyed her take on this well known tale and how she added new elements of mystery, unique villains, a solid faith element, and stayed true to her Texas western-style, while still giving a nod to the familiar fairy tale. 



Here's a bit about the book:

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

Being part of the author's Facebook writer group (The Posse), I was privy to some behind-the-scenes pictures and such. Here are photos that capture how the author pictured the 2 leading characters:


Asher's name is a nod to Cinderella in that ashes and cinders are the same. Asher's last name is Ellis, adding to the name -nod. As for the heroine, the author gave her the last name Dearing - similar to charming - endearing - it actually means dear one or beloved. And Samantha was a fairly popular name in the 1800s and is a combination of the male Samuel "God has heard" and a Greek term for "flower." There are other nods to the Disney Cinderella cartoon, including Jack, Gus-Gus and of course Bruno. Here's a photo that depicts Bruno the horse (more essential in a western than a hound) and of course the boots that replace the famous glass slippers.


This book releases March 12, 2024. Pick it up wherever books are sold! For more information, check out the following links:

Karen Witemeyer's Website: https://www.karenwitemeyer.com/

Karen Witemeyer's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/karen.witemeyer

The Posse Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1839437643052460

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6238526498




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