About the Book:

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

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 women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady 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 is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

My Thoughts:

A fresh Texas take on an old fairy tale.

Penelope is the classic genuine and innocent beauty, but the author draws upon a depth that the fairy tale often lacks. It is Penny’s relationship to the Lord, her dependence on the truth of Scripture, her genuine love and humility and her expectation that the Lord is at work that outshines even her physical beauty.

Titus is both skeptic and hero – the Texas ranger with a big heart, out to serve, protect and bring justice – and the man with a drive and perspective that arises from his own wounds and guarded expectations.

The villain is entirely self focused and the evil is real.

The story is satisfying.

I received a free digital copy of this novel with the expectation that I would leave an honest review.