Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts

Friday, November 28, 2025

The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews - blog tour

Thank you, Partner @prhaudio for the #gifted copy through the app and the NetGalley link for the ebook

The Marriage Method

Author: Mimi Matthews

Publisher: Berkley published November 25th

Book Description

The Academy always comes first . . . which makes marriage to its most formidable adversary an exceedingly inconvenient arrangement.

Well removed from London’s more curious eyes, the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies strives toward one clandestine goal: to distract, disrupt, and discredit men in power who would seek to harm the advancement of women—by appropriate means, of course.

When intrepid newspaper editor Miles Quincy starts to question the school’s intentions, the Academy appoints Penelope “Nell” Trewlove, one of their brightest graduates, to put this nuisance to rest. An easy enough mission, she supposes. Or it would be, if Miles wasn’t so fascinating—too fascinating to resist—and if Nell’s visit to London didn’t perfectly coincide with the murder of one of Miles’s reporters.

When the inexorable claws of fate trap Nell and Miles in a compromising situation, they agree to an arrangement that will save their reputations while enabling them to investigate the story that led to a man’s death, as well as the surprising chemistry between them . . .

MY REVIEW

Wow what a story. I love historical novels with an intriguing mystery element woven in. And marriage of convenience is a weakness of mine.

Nell and Miles are fantastic. I loved Nell’s bravery and skills. Even with her injury, she is resourceful and tough. Their meeting was rather funny but lead to a forced marriage. I enjoyed how their relationship developed. And the high stakes investigation of a missing girl and reporter was intriguing and captivating. It leads Nell and Miles on a dangerous path.

The chemistry between Miles and Nell was well done and add in delicious banter to an already enjoyable connection, I loved it when they were on page together. The dual POV showed that extra addition of their attraction.

The audio narrators, Elizabeth Knowelden and Will Watt, are excellent. I enjoyed their performances in The Rules of Ruin. Their accents and expression for each character is spot on. I’ve listened to other books narrated by Knowelden and I love her voice.

Content warning. As a closed door reader, I heard from friends to skip chapter 31.

5 out of 5 stars

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, a miniature poodle, and two Siamese cats.

Photo credit: Vickie Hahn 2021

Sunday, November 23, 2025

The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder - blog tour and giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Red Cottage

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

REVIEW

Thank you, Partner @barbourbooks for the #gifted copy.

“I cannot hide from my danger when it follows me everywhere.”

I was so excited to read another book from this author. Linder’s books never cease to amaze me. Her writing is so good. This is now my favorite book of hers. I was enthralled at every page. And with each turn of the page brought more suspense and more questions.

The story was so captivating. The way it’s written made it so I never wanted to stop reading. The POV changes were done in a way that showed so much character depth and development. I was questioning everyone’s motives (I won’t name names) but so many characters shined, as they left me stunned.

Meg and Tom are complex and captivating characters. The author did an excellent job of establishing their relationship with declarations of love and promises for the future. Then the action and suspense take over and things change in an instant. And the tension never stops. The suspense is perfectly done and I had to keep reading to know what would happen. The ending was flawless.

I can’t wait for another book from this author.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

We’re made for someone. I think I’ve always believed this—that it was never about proximity, or happenchance, or who you know, or where you are.

But that God, in His infinite wisdom, created a second half for each of us.

Someone who fits in the curve of your neck when you hug.

Who laughs at the things you laugh at.

Who speaks to you in a language your soul understands.

I think that’s why I love The Red Cottage so much. Circumstances would have never mattered with Tom and Meg. They loved each other. They were linked. And even if everything had been different, if they had been born hundreds of years before, they would have found their way back to each other.

If the age was ancient Egypt, and he had been a Pharaoh, and she a slave, they would have discovered each other.

If the year was 1920, and he a factory worker, and she the daughter of an oil tycoon, they would have defied the rules of society.

In any other place, in any other time, in any other way, Tom would have loved Meg. And Meg would have loved Tom. That is the beauty and the mind-blowing magic of real love.

So, when you fall into the pages of The Red Cottage, I hope you aren’t so foolish as to imagine this was an accident. That Tom said the right things, or that Meg felt vulnerable in just the right places, and that their bond—both the first and second time—was a mere hapless stroke of luck.

They would have loved each other anyway.

We’re all made for someone.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 21

Devoted Steps, November 21

Sydney Schmied Books, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Sylvan Musings, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 23

Min Reads and Reviews, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 24

Lily’s Corner, November 25

She Lives to Read, November 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 27

Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews , November 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 29

Cover Lover Book Review, November 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Betti Mace, December 1

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 2

Mary Hake, December 2

Holly’s Book Corner, December 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 3

Pause for Tales, December 4

To Everything There Is A Season, December 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 4

Friday, November 7, 2025

Glass Across the Sea by Sara Ella - blog tour and giveaway

About the Book

Book: Glass Across the Sea

Author: Sara Ella

Genre: YA Cinderella Retelling (Fantasy)

Release Date: October 21, 2025

Light always finds a way to break free . . .

Noelle Perrault has felt drawn to the tales her glassmaker father told of the four Firefly artisans since she was a child. But when her mother falls under a curse, Noelle suspects the stories are more than mere fables. Their last hope is for her father to embark on a desperate journey to another realm, where he must seek a miracle. Alone but not defenseless, Noelle is forced to navigate battles that rise against her beloved home, while her dearest friend, the prince, vows to help her father.

Dante Marin is a prince prepared to bear the crown. But the king offers an ultimatum: find the fabled Firefly Vestiges, believed to hold the Lamplighter’s ancient power, or forfeit the crown. Only then will Dante be considered worthy of his birthright and given the freedom to choose his bride. But how does one hunt down a legend?

Connected by the past, but forced apart in the present, Noelle and Dante must discover the truth about the Firefly and Vestiges before they lose all hope—and each other—for good. But breaking a curse comes at a great sacrifice—one neither of them predicted. With a mysterious foe rising to power, will they survive, let alone succeed? Or will darkness shroud their future, shattering the light they’ve striven to restore?

REVIEW

“We can only do our best to choose right with every step and live without regret.”

I’ve had my eye on Ella’s books for a long time. When the chance came to sign up to promote this book and then be on the tour, I didn’t hesitate.

There are so many wonderful moments in this book. I enjoy retellings and the author does such a great job with the world she created for this book. I enjoyed noticing the similarities of Cinderella and The Count of Monte Cristo.

There is so much to this book, it’s hard to even try to summarize. My favorite thing was Noelle. Her kindness, big heart, bravery, patience, long-suffering was what defined her as a stand out lead. Dante was also memorable and a perfect hero for this story. Their road to each other was well worn, but worth the wait. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs of the characters. It helped me get to know the characters so well and their motives. The villains are also done well and many characters (and intentions) surprised me and I loved that.

The setting was also well done and I noted many of the references to Fireflies. I also loved the curse, its whys, the glassmaking father, the timeline shifts, so many unique and enjoyable elements to this book, I couldn’t name them all.

If you love retellings and strong characters, you don’t want to miss this book.

I received an eARC from the author, all views are my own.

5 out of 5 stars.

GRAB YOUR COPY HERE!

About the Author

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away.

More from Sara

Whenever I start writing a new story, I always comb the internet for the perfect images to represent my characters. Sometimes it’s an actress or actor who fits the character description. Other times, I’ll find some artwork or a painting that fits the picture I have in my mind.

But when it came to finding the right image to represent Noelle Perrault, the protagonist of Glass Across the Sea, I could not for the life of me find what I was looking for. Partly because the heroine is heavily based on my oldest daughter, who shares the same name. No image online was good enough to represent a character and novel dedicated to her.

And then I found this painting titled “Cinderella’s New Day” by artist Heather Edwards back in 2023.

And that was it! “So This is Love” from Disney’s animated classic began playing in my head, and I knew I’d found the image I would keep in my mind for the duration of writing my Cinderella retelling.

This depiction is soft and sweet and felt personal in a way a photo of an actress didn’t. I also felt this painting captured the character and personality of my heroine in a way that would keep me going, even on my most difficult writing days.

Fast forward to 2024. I was behind on my book deadline and life’s interruptions kept getting in the way of my writing. I felt depleted and almost asked my publisher to cancel my contract. But then I attended an event where this same artist had her work on display, and there it was. The real-life, in-person canvas of this very same painting.

That moment felt like God was reminding me He had called me to write this book in the first place. That He had a plan for it and wanted me to keep going. This very painting is the reason I added this line to Glass Across the Sea:

“Art, in her view, was never a laughing matter. A piece might evoke hope in one while it produced sorrow in the heart of another. It was the same for music. For dance.”

And then came 2025. A year of grief and loss in many ways for our family. Once again, everything was getting in the way of this story ever making it to print. And, once again, I considered maybe it was not meant to be published after all. Through many tears and long nights, I revised, pushing to meet deadlines. I questioned if it was worth it. I questioned my own strength and writing abilities, only to be reminded that it is only through God’s grace and Christ’s strength I can do anything at all.

I came across this painting in person again this year at that same event. And, just as it had done in the past, this painting reminded me there was a “new day” just around the corner. My best friend, Nadine Brandes (she knows me so well), surprised me with a signed and personalized canvas print that day. The timing could not have been more perfect.

This painting is more than just a reminder to “have courage and be kind.” It’s a testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness, even amidst darkness and pain. My prayer for Glass Across the Sea is that it blesses readers in the same way this painting has blessed me. Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you keep going and trust the Lord to give you what you need in the moment you need it. In my experience, He often reveals Himself in the unexpected corners and small moments I least suspect.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 25

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 25

Inspired by Fiction, October 26

Wishful Endings, October 27

The Lofty Pages, October 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29 (Spotlight)

Devoted Steps, October 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 31

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 1

Blogging With Carol, November 1

Inklings and Notions, November 2

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, November 2

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, November 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 3

Labor Not in Vain, November 4

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 4

Holly’s Book Corner, November 5

To Everything There Is A Season, November 6

Min Reads and Reviews, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Sara is giving away the grand prize of a signed hardcover of Glass Across the Sea with Painted Edges designed by @hilltop_art, Glass Across the Sea themed candle from @lamplighterliterary, and a $25 Disney Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d286/glass-across-the-sea-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, August 4, 2025

The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham - blog tour review and giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2025

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

MY REVIEW

This book is quite the adventure! I absolutely love this series. Grace and Frederick are two of my favorite detectives. Grace’s love for fiction is still my favorite thing about her and very enduring. I just adore her. Her grace and kindness is infectious. I love how Grace relates to others so well, even if it involves comparing them to her favorites in fiction.

This time the mystery takes them to Grace’s home where she finds things are quite different than when her and Frederick left for their honeymoon trip. Going to Lillias, Grace’s sister, Grace and Frederick stumble on the murder of Lillias’s husband Tony.

There are so many twists and turns that make the story unputdownable. The people Grace and Frederick trust start to dwindle as an inheritance from Grace’s long-dead mother brings danger and surprises around every corner. Along with the danger and intrigue is heart, humor, faith building trials, and romance. And many exciting twists and turns. I especially loved Zahra and how she helps Grace and Frederick in her quiet ways.

I really hope there are more books in this wonderful series.

5 out of 5 stars.

I received a NetGalley link from the publisher and #celebratelit for tour purposes. All views are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Excerpt

June 23, 1914

Perfect husbands were rare, except perhaps in fiction, but Grace Percy, Countess of Astley, had married the real-life equivalent, she was certain.

“I still cannot believe this surprise, Frederick!” Grace’s shock had continued all the way from the harbor, where her dear husband had announced that they’d arrived in America instead of England. “I thought the terrain looked different than England, but I never suspected we’d go anywhere else except your beloved Havensbrooke.”

“Our beloved Havensbrooke, I hope?” he corrected, turning from his place in the front seat of the hired touring, next to a rather somber driver.

Her smile immediately responded. At nearly seven months married, Grace still found her thoughts paused on occasion at the idea of his English estate being her home. But how could she help it? They’d only lived in the estate a few months before they’d taken off on their honeymoon tour. But oh, what a delightful introduction to her new home, complete with a murder mystery and a ghost hunt.

She sighed. Married life certainly kept proving to be wonderfully exciting.

She sent him another grin before tipping her head out the window just enough to take in the familiar lane leading to her father’s house. “How did you even know where to go? Harrington is such a small place outside of Richmond, and I know I’ve never given you exact directions.”

His low chuckle warmed the already heated June air, skittering a familiar welcome of tickles up her bare neck. “I’ve written my own letters to your father, darling.” His voice, so smooth and English, carried such delicious tenderness that Grace turned to find him shooting a wink to their adopted daughter, Zahra.

Zahra’s lips tipped. She rarely showed great affection, but who could blame her? After losing her family and living on the streets of Cairo, the little girl still had plenty of healing to do. So every smile came extra special.

Poor Miss Cox, the young English maid Frederick had hired in Italy to accompany them through the remainder of their trip, blushed at Frederick’s wink and smile. After all the overt affection Grace lathered on her darling husband, it was a wonder Miss Cox hadn’t gotten used to it yet, but perhaps the trouble lay more in how very handsome her husband was.

Grace thought about that idea for a moment. She supposed if she wasn’t married to this wonderful man, she’d find herself a little awestruck too.

Truth be told, he was so handsome, he might fit the description of a dime-novel villain, but she was very glad fiction didn’t get it right on that score either.

“Besides, it may be a while before we can travel again.” He continued, turning back to face the front of the car. “I know it’s a few months earlier than we’d originally planned, but it seemed a waste not to take advantage of being at sea. And I know you’d love to see your family.”

Grace would have kissed his cheek if she hadn’t been sitting in the back seat of the touring with Zahra between her and Miss Cox. “You are the most wonderful man.” She turned to Zahra and Miss Cox. “Don’t you think so?”

Miss Cox’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, but Zahra’s grin stretched enough to show off her teeth. The simple white dress she wore brought out the depths of those endless gray-green eyes. Grace still couldn’t stop smiling at the very idea that the little girl belonged to her and Frederick now.

“He has all his hair and teeth.” Zahra nodded, the tiniest twinkle in her eyes alerted Grace that the little girl might be finding her humor. “That is a help.”

Frederick’s laugh burst out. “Indeed it is, Zahra. And I’m glad to still possess both of them.”

Grace studied his thick dark hair for a second longer, her fingers twitching to push through his locks, but the very idea could send poor Miss Cox through the car window. Grace drew in a deep breath to keep her show of admiration to a more appropriate public display and leaned toward Zahra. “The gardens at Rutledge House are lovely, Zahra. They were my mother’s gardens, and I’d often spend time with her there. Hopefully, when we return to our dear Havensbrooke”—she emphasized, sending her dear husband a look to ensure her noted her correction—“you and I and, perhaps even Lily, can work to restore those gardens together. Then we can make our own special place too. Gardens are very creative places in stories as well as in real life.”

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

The Sacred Line, July 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 1

Jodie Wolfe, August 1

Worthy2Read, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

Devoted To Hope, August 2

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 4

Min Reads and Reviews, August 4

Stories By Gina, August 4

Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Daysong Reflections, August 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6

Blogging With Carol, August 6

Betti Mace, August 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Labor Not in Vain , August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

An Author’s Take, August 10

Lily’s CornerLily’s Corner, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 11

She Lives To Read, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 12

Pause for Tales, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY LINK

Thursday, July 10, 2025

To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer - blog tour review and giveaway

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 1800’s 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 defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill 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.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY - Kindle / Paperback / Audio

MY REVIEW

This is my second book from Witemeyer and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one I read from her (Cloaked in Beauty). I loved the Beauty and the Beast angle of this story. I am always up for a retelling, especially one about Beauty and the Beast. The author did a wonderful job with the story of making it her own, and the characters. I adored Callista. She is such a lovely person, so full of kindness and patience. But she is also not afraid to give her point of view and express how she feels. I love that she is a book binder. That aspect made her such a unique character. Everett's accident was a nice added twist for the "beast". The appearance of Callista throws him off for sure, but I appreciated how he quickly recognized her positivity too.

The supporting cast of characters also make this book so enjoyable. Mrs. Potter, Timens, Lightfoot, all are such a delight. The villain's motives, when revealed, were intriguing. The plot was exciting and that climax! I enjoyed how the author told the story through Callista's letters to her father.

I am excited to read another book from this author!

I received a copy of the book through Bookfunnel. All views are my own.

5 out of 5 stars!

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 Reader’s 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 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 griffin 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