"To Love a Beast" by Karen Witemeyer

If you're a fan of Beauty and the Beast, you will love this sweet retelling from fan favorite author Karen Witemeyer. 

Everett Griffin went from an elite member of New York society to a scarred recluse in Texas after one horrible moment changed everything. Reading is one of his only solaces, and he hires a book binder to come take care of his massive library. He's horrified when the book binder's daughter arrives with every intention of carrying out the job for her injured father.

Callista Rosenfeld is determined to keep her father's book bindery running even if he is out of commission for a while, and even if it means taking on the huge job of restoring Mr. Griffin's library while tucked away at a manor house in the middle of nowhere. The staff is friendly even if Mr. Griffin is not, though his appearance doesn't bother her nearly as much as it seems to bother him.

As Callista wins Everett's trust, he begins to see what a gift she is, able to look past what so many others are not. A friendship blossoms, sped along by a local visitor full of himself who doesn't take it well when Callista rebuffs his advances.

I personally am not a huge Beauty and the Beast fan, but I fell in love with this charming retelling. The birthday party is absolutely magical! And when one of the characters mentions using antlers in all of his decorating, I was so amused I literally choked on the snack I was eating. So funny! Great attention was given to including little details from the classic tale while still making this story its own. Highly recommended for all fans of Disney and historical romance.

I received my copy from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.