LiteraryScape

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the LiteraryScape podcast! This week, we're thrilled to discuss Lynn H. Blackburn's captivating novel Malicious Intent, the second book in her compelling Defend and Protect series.

About the Book

Malicious Intent follows Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, as she prepares to launch clinical trials for her company's cutting-edge prosthetic technology. Her groundbreaking work has earned praise from government agencies, medical professionals, and advocacy groups alike. However, not everyone wants to see Ivy succeed—someone is actively trying to sabotage Hedera and its revolutionary launch.

Enter Secret Service agent Gil Dixon, who can't believe he's finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. After years of separation, Gil is determined to mend their broken relationship. But first, he must use all his skills to uncover the truth behind the attacks on Ivy and save not only her life but also her life's work and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

Our Thoughts on the Story

The opening scene immediately grips readers when Gil and his team walk in on Ivy being tortured—what a reunion! The timing couldn't have been more crucial, as Gil's arrival literally saves Ivy's life. The torture scenes were particularly difficult to read, with the methodical breaking of fingers and burning that showcased the villain's malicious intent.

We loved the tender nickname "Buttercup" that Gil uses for Ivy, which connects beautifully to The Princess Bride theme of separation and reunion. These small touches of endearment really enhance the romantic elements of the story.

Multiple Mysteries Unfold

Malicious Intent weaves together several compelling mysteries. There's the counterfeit money investigation that initially brings the team to Ivy's location, and then the escalating attacks against her personally. Without giving away spoilers, we'll just say that our initial guesses about the villain were completely wrong! Blackburn does an excellent job of planting clues that point in multiple directions.

Sabrina, the genius tech specialist, plays a significant role in this book and brings her expertise to help solve the case. For readers new to Blackburn's work, we recommend starting with the Dive Team Investigators series to fully appreciate Sabrina's character development.

Character Development and Family History

Ivy's character really impressed us—despite her traumatic upbringing and complicated family history, she's built an incredible life and career. The guilt and shame she carried from her past created a believable barrier between her and Gil for fifteen years. Both characters were dealing with their own struggles when they were younger, making their eventual reunion even more meaningful.

Gil's sister Emily makes a wonderful addition to the story, and we're excited that she gets her own novella between books two and three.

The Romance Factor

Gil absolutely stole our hearts with the way he takes care of Ivy—knowing exactly how she likes her coffee, cooking for her, and spoiling her in the sweetest ways. Ivy even admits she could become "addicted" to his care and attention. These tender moments provide perfect balance to the high-stakes suspense.

We also appreciated Detective Morris from the Raleigh police department. While he starts out as a bit of a grump, he grows on you and becomes surprisingly protective of Ivy. His character development throughout the story was well done.

Our LiteraryScape Ratings

Using our signature coffee-themed rating system:

Drama Level: Latte (plenty of high-stakes drama!)

Inspiration Level: Mocha (Gil's character particularly shines)

Romance Level: Mocha (Lynn Blackburn consistently delivers at this level)

Mystery Level: Latte (multiple mysteries keep you guessing)

Suspense Level: Latte (edge-of-your-seat tension throughout)

Final Verdict

We're giving Malicious Intent three lassos out of three—you'll definitely be hooked and hogtied by this thrilling story! If you enjoy contemporary Christian suspense romance, this book is an excellent choice.

What's Next?

Between books two and three of the Defend and Protect series, there are two novellas that we'll be discussing in our next episode. Stay tuned for more Literary adventures!

Ready to dive into Malicious Intent?

📖 Get the book here

🌐 Visit Lynn H. Blackburn's website

Have you read Malicious Intent? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your reviews and join the conversation on our social media channels.

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/167

The Secret Service agents who dedicate their lives to protecting others suddenly find themselves as targets in Lynn H. Blackburn's gripping novel Unknown Threat, the first book in her Defend and Protect series. Our podcast team dove into this heart-pounding thriller, and we're excited to share our thoughts with you.

The Story That Hooked Us from Chapter One

Unknown Threat follows Secret Service agent Luke Powell, who's devastated after losing three fellow agents in unusual circumstances over just 10 weeks. When FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is assigned to investigate these unprecedented attacks, Luke finds himself torn between his attraction to Faith and his distrust of the FBI. With more agents being targeted, they must learn to work together to bring a killer to justice.

As one of our hosts noted, "By the end of chapter one, every book of hers that I've read, it's like you're hooked. There is something big that you're like, whoa, I gotta keep reading." Blackburn's talent for crafting irresistible chapter hooks makes this a true page-turner.

Characters We Loved (And One We Didn't)

Faith Malone won us over with her determination and integrity. We loved her unique hobby of rowing and how she consistently proved herself trustworthy through her actions rather than just her words. Her relationship with her sister Hope provided some of our favorite moments—the classic sister dynamic and Hope's blunt question about Luke being a good kisser had us laughing.

The Secret Service Team felt like a real family unit. The bonds between Luke, Gil, Zane, Tessa, and their boss Jacob created authentic workplace relationships that drew us in. When Gil gets shot and insists Faith stay in the room because he wants to talk to her, it perfectly showed how she'd earned their respect.

Janice, however, was a character we all wanted to shake. Her extreme bias and arrogance made her insufferable, though we recognized her importance in highlighting how prejudices can affect judgment and helping Luke see that not all FBI agents are the same.

A Mystery That Kept Us Guessing

The complex family history behind the murders created a web of connections we didn't see coming. Even our host who was re-reading the book found herself wondering "Wait, who is it?" because Blackburn masterfully keeps the killer's identity hidden until the very end.

What struck us most was feeling sympathy for the killer by the story's conclusion—something that rarely happens in thrillers. The revelation and explanation felt organic, not like an information dump, making us part of the investigation rather than passive observers.

Our LiteraryScape Ratings

Drama Level: Mocha ☕☕ (lots of familial complexity throughout)

Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕ (couldn't figure it out until the end!)

Inspiration Level: Mocha ☕☕ (faith lived out quietly through actions)

Romance Level: Mocha ☕☕ (just the right amount woven in)

Suspense Level: Latte ☕☕☕ (kept us on the edge of our seats)

Overall Lasso Rating: 2.5 to 3 out of 3 🤠🤠🤠

While we all agreed this is a solid three-lasso book that will hook readers from the start, we noted that other books in this series might edge it out slightly. But that's the beauty of a strong series—each book brings something special to the table.

Why You Should Read This Series

Lynn H. Blackburn has become a favorite on our podcast for good reason. Her writing style combines relentless pacing with character development that makes you genuinely care about the outcome. She wraps up loose ends satisfyingly while building relationships that carry through the series.

If you're looking for a suspense novel that balances action with heart, complex mysteries with authentic relationships, Unknown Threat delivers on all fronts. Just be warned—you might find yourself saying "just one more chapter" well past your bedtime.

Next week, we'll be discussing book two in the series, Malicious Intent. Join us as we continue following this team of Secret Service agents and the FBI agent who's become one of their own.

Listen to our full discussion of Unknown Threat on the LiteraryScape Podcast. Don't forget to grab some chocolate before diving into this series—you'll need the comfort food for the intense moments ahead!

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/166

From our recent Friday Book Club podcast episode featuring the prolific author's newest release, Final Approach

There's something captivating about authors who can seamlessly weave heart-pounding suspense with compelling romance, and Lynette Eason has mastered this art form across nearly 70 published novels. In our latest LiteraryScape podcast episode, host Melissa LaShure sat down with this beloved romantic suspense author to discuss her newest release, Final Approach, the fourth and final book in her Lake City Heroes series.

The Lake City Heroes Series: Where Past Meets Present

What makes the Lake City Heroes series particularly compelling is how each standalone novel connects through the fictional town of Lake City, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. "Each of my heroines has some kind of occupation, whether in medicine or law enforcement," Eason explains, noting that all the male protagonists work in law enforcement as well.

The series, which began in January 2024 with Double Take, has been releasing steadily over two years, with each book exploring how a character's past shapes their present circumstances. This theme reaches its crescendo in Final Approach, where the heroine works as an air marshal—a career choice directly influenced by her mother's death in a plane hijacking.

"There's something about the characters' past that leads them to what they are doing in present day," Eason notes, highlighting the psychological depth that elevates her work beyond typical action-adventure romance.

Research: The Foundation of Authentic Storytelling

With nearly seven decades of published works behind her, Eason has become something of an expert on law enforcement procedures across multiple agencies. For the Lake City Heroes series alone, she researched roles spanning from physician assistants and police detectives to FBI agents, fire marshals, and air marshals.

"I do have an FBI agent—I have two FBI agent buddies who read all of my stuff," she shares, explaining how these professional connections help ensure accuracy. When she needed information about fire marshal procedures for Serial Burn (book three), her FBI contacts connected her with specialists in that field.

Her research process is refreshingly practical: "As I'm writing, I've come to a spot where I was like, I really need to know how this would be handled. And so then I just send a text and say, hey, I need to know how this will be handled."

The Evolution of a Writer

Eason's writing journey began in eighth grade with an abandoned novel attempt, but the desire never truly left. She seriously began writing in the late 1990s while home with a baby and a frequently traveling husband. "I just decided to talk to the voices in my head," she jokes, using the familiar writer's refrain.

Her process has evolved significantly over the decades. "I used to be a huge pantser. Like I would just sit down and start writing and let the story take me. And now that my brain is a lot older, I don't have that... I can't hold as much in my brain anymore."

Now she describes herself as a "plantser"—someone who plots the major story beats but allows for organic development, especially in the final 20,000 words. She always knows her ending scene from the beginning, working steadily toward that climactic moment.

Favorite Characters and Memorable Scenes

When asked about her favorite character from the series, Eason immediately mentions Kinsey King from Target Acquired (book two). "She was part of an all-male SWAT team on the police department. And I just had a really good time researching that because you would think in this day and age, there wouldn't be a whole lot of... it's a boys club kind of thing, but actually it still exists a lot."

For Final Approach, Eason particularly enjoyed writing the climactic scene where her air marshal heroine must land an airplane. "It was a very intense scene and there was a lot going on... I had a really good time writing it," though she acknowledges the technical research required was substantial.

Giving Back: The Seaside Scribes Conference

Beyond her writing, Eason is passionate about nurturing new talent through the Seaside Scribes writers conference and retreat. This intimate gathering, limited to around 40 attendees, takes place annually in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (January 14-17, 2026, at the Hilton).

"We just hang out with writers that we teach during the day, and then we go eat. We have meals, we have meetings, and then we just hang," she describes. "People that come have made lifelong friends there, found their critique partners."

The conference focuses on craft techniques applicable to any genre, though the 2026 event will feature Darlene Turner teaching specifically about Love Inspired Suspense writing due to popular demand.

Reading Recommendations and Inspiration

For readers new to her work, Eason recommends the Elite Guardians series, featuring female bodyguards. The concept emerged from her research into a unique training school in Athens, Greece, that exclusively trains female bodyguards, with a branch in Dallas, Texas.

As for her own reading habits, Eason reads widely across genres, from romantic suspense colleagues like Lynn Blackburn, Colleen Coble, and Jessica Patch, to historical mysteries and speculative fiction. "I just like dead bodies, I guess," she laughs when explaining her preference for suspenseful plots.

Connecting with Readers

Eason maintains an active presence across social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and X as @LynetteEason), but she particularly recommends her monthly newsletter available at LynetteEason.com. Subscribers receive a free short story upon signup and additional free reads in each monthly issue, along with recommendations for other authors' works.

"If you sign up for my newsletter, there is a free read in every one of my newsletters," she promises, making it clear that her newsletter provides substantial value for romantic suspense fans.

Final Thoughts

With Final Approach marking the end of the Lake City Heroes series, readers can look forward to Eason's next literary adventure. Her commitment to authentic storytelling, combined with her generous spirit toward emerging writers, solidifies her position as not just a prolific author, but a valuable voice in the romantic suspense community.

Final Approach releases soon, and while each book in the Lake City Heroes series stands alone, reading them in order provides the richest experience of watching these interconnected characters navigate their dangerous, romantic worlds.

Don't miss future episodes of the LiteraryScape podcast, and be sure to check back next year when we'll be featuring more of Lynette Eason's extensive backlist. Subscribe to our podcast for more author interviews and book discussions.

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/165

Welcome back to LiteraryScape! We recently had the pleasure of welcoming back beloved author Karen Witemeyer to discuss her enchanting Texas Ever After fairy tale series. If you missed our live discussion, here's everything you need to know about these delightful Western retellings.

When Classic Tales Meet Cowboy Country

Karen Witemeyer has masterfully reimagined beloved fairy tales in the rugged landscape of 1800s Texas, creating the Texas Ever After series published by Bethany House. These aren't your typical fairy tale retellings—they're grounded in historical reality while maintaining the magic and heart of the original stories.

The Series Breakdown

Book 1: Fairest of Heart - A Snow-White retelling featuring retired cowboys instead of seven dwarfs

Book 2: If the Boot Fits - A gender-swapped Cinderella story (think "Cinderfella")
Book 3: Cloaked in Beauty - A unique blend of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood

The Magic Behind the Stories

Fairest of Heart: Cowboys Over Dwarfs

Perhaps the most creative adaptation in the series, Witemeyer transformed Snow White's seven dwarfs into retired cowboys living at the Diamond D Ranch. Led by Doc (a retired doctor who opened his home to cowboys with nowhere else to go), each "drover" pays homage to the Disney characters while maintaining their cowboy strength.

Some of our favorite name adaptations:

Coy (Bashful) - a clever synonym that perfectly captures the shy character

Dusty (Sneezy) - always battling hay fever with his trusty handkerchief

Jeb (Grumpy) - the gruff exterior hiding a heart of gold

Rowdy (Dopey) - reimagined as a cowboy dealing with brain trauma, but still finding his heroic moments

The villain receives a brilliant update too—instead of just vanity driving the evil queen, Witemeyer created an aging actress with a calculated retirement plan involving theft and dreams of reinventing herself among European royalty.

If the Boot Fits: Redeeming the Stepmother

This Cinderella retelling features one of Witemeyer's most important character decisions: redeeming the stepmother. "In all the fairy tales, the stepmother is always evil," Witemeyer explained, "and there are some wonderful, loving stepmothers in this world that need to be honored."

The result is Asher Ellis (see what she did there with "Cinder-Asher"?), a down-on-his-luck cowboy working to support his beloved stepmother after his father's death. When she's evicted from her home, Asher returns to help—only to clash with the property owner's daughter, our heroine who comes from money this time around.

Cloaked in Beauty: A Fairy Tale Mashup

The most complex adaptation combines Sleeping Beauty's backstory with Little Red Riding Hood's journey narrative. Witemeyer solved the age-old parenting plot hole: "As a mother, there is no way that I would send my child away like that." Her solution? The only person a mother would trust with her child—her own mother, creating the grandmother in the woods scenario.

The story cleverly plays with dragon and wolf imagery from both tales, with the wolf becoming a loyal companion rather than a threat, while the dragon represents greed and ambition in the human villains.

Beyond Texas Ever After

Witemeyer's passion for fairy tale retellings didn't end with the trilogy. Her latest release, To Love a Beast, kicks off a new independent series called "Once Upon a Time in Texas." This Beauty and the Beast retelling holds special significance as her favorite Disney story and features a bookbinding heroine—perfect for fellow book lovers!

Coming next: A Little Mermaid story set in Galveston, Texas, which holds personal meaning as the movie played a role in her own love story with her husband.

Future possibilities include a Tangled adaptation (inspired by her son's wedding theme) and even a Goldilocks and the Three Bears story featuring three brothers.

What Makes These Retellings Special

Witemeyer's genius lies in asking the right questions: How do you make these fantastical elements work in 1800s Texas? How do you honor the original stories while creating something entirely new? Her solutions feel both logical and creative, grounding magical elements in emotional truth and historical reality.

The author's background growing up in the country (complete with a snake-catching younger brother) brings authenticity to her Western settings, while her deep love for the source material ensures each retelling captures what made us fall in love with these stories in the first place.

Connect with Karen Witemeyer

Want to dive deeper into Karen's fairy tale world? You can connect with her at karenwitemeyer.com, where you'll find:

Direct contact options

Links to her Facebook group "The Posse" (where she's most active)

Newsletter signup with monthly book giveaways

Information about upcoming releases

Karen genuinely loves connecting with readers, so don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts on her fairy tale retellings!

Final Thoughts

The Texas Ever After series proves that the best retellings don't just change the setting—they reimagine the heart of the story for a new time and place. Whether you're a fairy tale fanatic, Western romance lover, or just someone who appreciates creative storytelling, these books offer something magical.

Have you read Karen Witemeyer's fairy tale series? Which retelling sounds most intriguing to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Don't forget to subscribe to LiteraryScape for more author interviews and book discussions. Happy reading!

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/164

Welcome back to LiteraryScape Book Club! This week we dove into Karen Witemeyer's enchanting novel Cloaked in Beauty, and what a delightful discussion we had about this multi-layered fairy tale retelling.

The Story That Captivated Us

Set in the atmospheric Piney Woods of East Texas, Cloaked in Beauty follows Lady Hood (Letty), who has spent 15 years hidden away with her grandmother to escape a deadly uncle who wants her dead. As her 21st birthday approaches, she must return to Houston with Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael to claim her birthright—if she can survive long enough to inherit it.

What starts as a protective escort mission becomes something much deeper as Philip discovers that Letty is far from the spoiled heiress he expected. Instead, he finds a woman of rare strength, kindness, and wit who challenges his hardened cynicism at every turn.

Which Fairy Tale Is It Really?

One of the most fascinating aspects of our discussion was trying to pin down exactly which fairy tale Witemeyer was retelling. Initially, some of us caught hints of Beauty and the Beast (especially with a character named Mrs. Pots!), while others picked up on Sleeping Beauty elements with the "dragon man" references.

But as the story unfolded, Red Riding Hood became the most obvious influence—Letty lives in the woods with her grandmother, wears a red cloak, and has a loyal wolf companion. We even detected echoes of Anastasia with the "hidden heiress" storyline.

The genius of Witemeyer's approach is that she weaves these different fairy tale elements together without making any single one feel heavy-handed. It's a masterful blend that keeps readers guessing and engaged.

Characters That Stole Our Hearts

Letty: The Fearless Heiress

We absolutely loved Letty's character development. While she was admittedly naive and sheltered, she was never truly fearful. Her bravery shone through, especially in her declaration: "I don't need a protector. I need a warrior who has my back... someone who's gonna fight the battles with me." This wasn't a damsel waiting to be saved—this was a woman ready to fight side by side with her partner.

Philip: The Transformed Protector

Philip quickly became a favorite among our group. His character arc from cynical agent to devoted protector was beautifully crafted. We appreciated how his primary concern was always Letty's safety, and his willingness to walk away for six months so she could discover her true identity showed remarkable selflessness.

The Wolf: Our Unexpected Favorite

Perhaps no character captured our hearts quite like Letty's loyal wolf companion. This wasn't the "big bad wolf" of traditional tales—this was a faithful friend who followed directions, kept secrets, and even served as a protective barrier between Letty and Philip when they had to share close quarters. The bridge crossing scene had us all on the edge of our seats, fearing for this beloved character's safety.

Our Ratings Breakdown

Suspense Level: Mocha ☕☕
Strong at the beginning and end, with constant tension throughout their journey.

Mystery Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕
We knew the villain from the start, so few surprises, but the tension remained high.

Inspirational Level: Mocha ☕☕
Solid themes without being heavy-handed.

Drama Level: Mocha ☕☕
Plenty of family backstory drama, though Letty and Philip themselves weren't dramatic.

Romance Level: Espresso ☕
Classic fairy tale romance—worth the wait until the end!

What's Next from Karen Witemeyer?

For those who can't get enough of Witemeyer's fairy tale retellings, she has a second indie-published series beginning with To Love a Beast. One of our members has already read it and gives it the highest recommendation!

Looking Ahead

Next week, we're thrilled to bring you our interview with Karen Witemeyer herself, where we'll dive deeper into her fairy tale series and hopefully uncover some of the secrets behind her masterful storytelling.

Join the Conversation

Have you read Cloaked in Beauty? Which fairy tale elements did you pick up on? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Don't forget to subscribe to LiteraryScape Book Club for more in-depth discussions of the books that capture our hearts and imaginations.

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/163

What happens when you flip the classic Cinderella story and give the glass slipper to a wealthy woman instead? Karen Witemeyer delivers a delightful answer in If the Boot Fits, and our LiteraryScape Book Club couldn't put it down!

The Story That Hooked Us From Page One

In this clever reimagining of the beloved fairy tale, we meet Asher Ellis, a man convinced his stepmother and half-brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Daring. Using an extravagant ball as cover, Asher breaks into the ranch house searching for proof. When discovery threatens, he flees—but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Enter Samantha Deering, the spunky and independent daughter who's less than thrilled about her father's matrimonial ambush disguised as a ball. When she spots the mysterious thief fleeing her home, everything changes. After the stranger saves her brother's life, Samantha hides the only clue to his identity—his boot—and resolves to find him herself.

Why We Loved This Gender-Flipped Fairy Tale

The Fresh Perspective: Witemeyer's decision to make the woman the wealthy one while the man comes from humble circumstances kept the familiar story feeling fresh and engaging. As one of our hosts noted, "It kept my attention right away—I had to finish it."

Family Values: We were particularly drawn to Asher's character and his devotion to family over wealth. Unlike traditional Cinderella retellings with wicked stepfamilies, Asher has a wonderful stepmother and loving half-brothers—a twist that added depth to the familiar framework.

The Clever Details: Witemeyer weaves in delightful nods to the original tale. Asher's half-brother Fergus (nicknamed "Gus" like the plump mouse!) is a writer, and even the farm animals get fairy tale treatment with Mrs. Merriweather the cow playing a supporting role.

Biblical Themes That Resonated

One of the most powerful aspects of If the Boot Fits is how it explores what happens when we take matters out of God's hands and into our own. The story includes a significant twist that mirrors a biblical narrative, delivering a meaningful lesson about trusting God's timing versus our own impatience.

As our discussion revealed, this theme hit close to home: "We all do it—we think He's not working on our timetable, so we just take care of it ourselves." The book beautifully illustrates how God can turn even our mistakes around for His good and glory.

Character Development Done Right

Samantha's growth throughout the story impressed us all. She begins as somewhat of a "spoiled brat" but matures beautifully, especially in her relationship with her father. We loved watching her step back, gain perspective, and have honest conversations about their strained relationship after her mother's death.

The supporting characters—from Samantha's aunt and uncle to Mrs. Stewart the cook—all played meaningful roles in bringing this story to life.

Our Ratings Breakdown

Romance Level: ☕ Mocha - The fairy tale setting lends itself perfectly to romantic tension

Suspense Level: ☕ Mocha to Latte - Multiple intense events keep you guessing, especially toward the climax

Inspiration Level: ☕ Espresso to Mocha - Strong biblical themes that grow more powerful as the story progresses

Drama Level: ☕ Latte - It's Cinderella, so drama is expected and delivered!

Mystery Level: ☕ Mocha to Latte - The big twist at the end will leave you stunned

Overall Lasso Rating: 🤠 Three Lassos - This one had us "hooked and hogtied from the beginning!"

A Word of Caution (For Our Snake-Phobic Readers!)

Fair warning: there's a particularly intense scene involving a snake that had one of our hosts skipping pages entirely. If you're squeamish about serpents, you might want to flip ahead when a masked rider appears with a mysterious bag!

The Verdict

If the Boot Fits proves that there's always room for a fresh take on a classic story. Witemeyer's skill at weaving biblical themes into an engaging romance, combined with her clever fairy tale elements, creates something special. Whether you're a Cinderella fanatic or just love a good inspirational romance, this book deserves a spot on your reading list.

If the Boot Fits is part of Karen Witemeyer's Fairy Tale series. While we haven't covered the other books yet, To Love a Beast and Cloaked in Beauty are also available for those ready to dive deeper into these reimagined classics.

Have you read If the Boot Fits? We'd love to hear your thoughts! And if you're looking for your next great read, check out our other LiteraryScape Book Club reviews and discussions.

Welcome back to Literary Scape, where we explore the wonderful world of historical Christian romance! In this episode, we dove deep into Fairest of Heart, by Karen Witemeyer. A clever Snow White retelling set in the Wild West.

The Story

Fairest of Heart follows Penelope Snow, a young woman whose beauty has been nothing but trouble. Working as a personal maid for a famous actress touring the West, she tries to hide her appearance beneath shapeless dresses. But when circumstances leave her stranded at a ranch with seven old rovers, she catches the attention of Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley—a man who's learned to distrust women after his brother's tragic death.

When Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe, all evidence points to her guilt. But perhaps this fairest woman of all truly does have a heart as pure as her last name.

Matching the Seven Rovers to the Dwarfs

One of the most delightful aspects of this retelling is how skillfully the author matched each rover to his fairy tale counterpart:

Sleepy = Angus (always snoring!)

Sneezy = Dusty

Grumpy = Jeb (a fan favorite!)

Doc = The Doctor (Titus’s grandfather.)

Dopey = Rowdy (another fan favorite!)

Happy = Ike

Bashful = Coy (the name says it all!)

And let's not forget Rowdy, who filled a special role in the story with his wandering that proved so crucial to finding Penelope.

What We Loved

The hosts were impressed by how faithfully the author stuck to the original Snow White story while seamlessly weaving it into a Western setting. From Penelope cleaning and cooking for the rovers to the way Narcissa (the evil queen figure) treated Cecil as her huntsman, every element felt both familiar and fresh.

Favorite Characters:

Jeb (Grumpy) stole hearts with his gruff exterior that softened around Penelope—especially in that memorable knife scene where he teaches her proper self-defense!

Rowdy was universally beloved for his childlike innocence and crucial role in the story

The rovers as a group brought warmth and humor throughout

The Romance & Faith Elements

True to the fairy tale source, this is a sweet, innocent romance. The romantic tension builds beautifully, but the physical romance stays at an espresso level—just a hint, with the payoff coming at the very end.

The inspirational elements shine through Penelope's unwavering faith during impossible circumstances, constantly reminding herself that "God brought me this far, He's not going to abandon me now." This persevering faith earned the book a mocha to latte rating for inspirational content.

Our Ratings Breakdown

Using our signature coffee scale (espresso = a little, mocha = medium, latte = a lot):

Romance Level: Espresso (sweet and innocent)

Suspense Level: Mocha (plenty of "what happens next?" moments)

Mystery Level: Mocha (surprising how much mystery fit into a familiar story!)

Inspirational Level: Mocha to Latte (strong faith themes throughout)

Drama Level: Espresso (kept drama light, true to fairy tale style)

Overall Lasso Rating: 2 to 2.5 out of 3

Final Thoughts

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer proves that familiar stories can find new life in skilled hands. While knowing the Snow White story might make some plot points predictable, the Western setting and well-developed characters keep readers engaged. This is a solid, enjoyable read that successfully bridges the gap between beloved fairy tale and historical Christian romance.

Karen Witemeyer's ability to transform these classic stories into cowboy romances is truly impressive—and we can't wait to discuss next week's episode featuring If the Boot Fits, a Cinderella retelling!

Have you read Fairest of Heart? We'd love to hear your thoughts! And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter at literaryscape.com/newsletter for updates on upcoming episodes and events for both readers and authors.

Coming Up Next Week: If the Boot Fits - A Cinderella Western Romance

Until next time, happy and blessed reading and writing!

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/161

This week on the LiteraryScape Friday Book Club, host Melissa LaShure welcomed author Dana Mentink to discuss her thrilling new suspense novel, Fire Mountain. In this captivating conversation, Dana shared the inspiration behind her unique setting, her fascinating protagonist, and what readers can expect from this high-stakes survival story.

A Volcano, A Trucker, and A Baby: The Perfect Storm

Dana Mentink's latest novel, Fire Mountain, combines several compelling elements that immediately grab your attention. The story follows a female long-distance trucker who finds herself trapped in a volcanic eruption zone after a mysterious accident. But the real twist? She wakes up to discover a baby in her truck—a baby that isn't hers.

"I follow a number of female independent truckers on social media," Dana explained during the podcast. "It's just really fascinating to me how they have carved out a niche for themselves in a primarily male-dominated business and just made it their own." This admiration for the profession led her to create a protagonist whose career choice is as intriguing as her predicament.

Inspired by Mount St. Helens

The volcanic setting isn't arbitrary—it stems from Dana's personal experience witnessing one of America's most significant natural disasters. "I was 12 when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980," she shared. "That was really unprecedented... just watching that unfold in the news and just looking at how it started out as almost an entertaining thing. And then it turned into just a catastrophe in May. So that just made a deep impression on me."

This childhood memory evolved into a fascinating "what if" scenario: What would it be like to be trapped in an eruption zone where "you cannot predict the behavior of the earth under your feet"? The result is a suspense novel set in the fictional Mount Ember in Skamania County, Washington—real adjacent, as Dana puts it.

Meet Cullen Landry: The Hero with a Secret Fear

The male protagonist, Cullen Landry, is a retired SWAT cop who should have evacuated but stayed behind to help friends secure their properties. When he witnesses the trucker's accident, his instinct to help draws him into an extraordinary survival situation.

What makes Cullen particularly endearing is his vulnerability. Despite his tough exterior and professional background, he harbors an amusing fear of a certain type of rodent that the characters encounter during their ordeal. "He wants to be manly, but he's really, he doesn't like this rodent," Dana laughed. "He doesn't come off well in that scene."

The Ultimate Challenge: Surviving with a Baby

Perhaps the most ingenious aspect of Fire Mountain is the inclusion of the mysterious baby. Dana explained her thought process: "I was thinking about if you're alone in the wilderness and you have no help and no technology and you have no shelter, what would be the most difficult thing? And I think it would be if you were responsible for another life and particularly a very fragile life like a baby and particularly if you have zero maternal skills."

This scenario creates the perfect storm of obstacles for character development—exactly what every compelling story needs.

From Classroom to Full-Time Writing

Dana's journey to full-time writing is inspiring. After years of balancing elementary school teaching with part-time writing, she made the leap to full-time authorship five years ago. Her experience teaching primarily third grade clearly influences her storytelling approach, particularly her belief that "you are a writer if you have a story to tell"—regardless of spelling skills or semicolon knowledge.

With 25 years of writing experience under her belt, Dana has mastered both suspense and cozy mystery genres. Her ice cream shop mystery series, starting with Pint of No Return, offers a lighter contrast to her suspense novels, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller.

What's Next: Raging Waters

Fire Mountain is the first book in what Dana hopes will be a three-book series focusing on natural disasters. The second book, Raging Waters, is scheduled for March 2026 and will feature a catastrophic flood scenario involving a failing dam. While the books share some characters, they can be read as standalones.

Dana's research-driven approach to these disaster scenarios reflects both her respect for real-world tragedies and her commitment to authenticity. As she noted regarding the flood theme, "I never would want to make light of that or trivialize that in fiction."

A Perfect Balance of Romance and Suspense

When asked about the romance element, Dana estimated the balance at about 60% suspense and 40% romance—though she admitted she'd be curious to hear what readers think. The wilderness survival setting naturally emphasizes the plot-driven suspense, but as any good romance reader knows, facing trials together creates perfect opportunities for emotional connection.

Connect with Dana

Readers can find Dana at her website, damentink.com, and follow her entertaining adventures on Instagram, where she shares her personality and "silliness" along with connecting with other Christian authors. Her monthly newsletter promises "lots of goodies and always a video report on how things are going at Menting Manor"—including tales of reptile shows and other exciting shenanigans.

Final Thoughts

Fire Mountain promises to be a unique addition to the Christian suspense romance genre, combining meticulous research with heart-pounding action and genuine character development. Dana Mentink has created a story that not only entertains but explores themes of responsibility, survival, and unexpected heroism in the face of nature's most powerful forces.

Whether you're drawn to the unique volcanic setting, the compelling mystery of the abandoned baby, or the unlikely romance blooming amid chaos, Fire Mountain offers something for every suspense romance reader looking for their next page-turner.

Listen to the full LiteraryScape podcast episode to hear more about Dana's writing process, her favorite current reads (including her recent return to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), and her thoughts on the craft of balancing mystery and suspense in fiction.

When author Tracie Peterson opens her latest novel with a gunfight at a wedding, you know you're in for something different from the typical historical romance. In our recent LiteraryScape podcast interview, Peterson shared the compelling story behind Designed with Love, the second book in her Hope of Cheyenne series, and gave us a glimpse into the heart of her storytelling craft.

A Shocking Beginning

Designed with Love doesn't ease readers into the story—it plunges them headfirst into drama. Set in the late 1880s, the novel opens in Texas at what should be a joyful wedding. Emma Johnson, our spirited protagonist, is about to marry Tommy Benton when tragedy strikes. A young woman bursts in, kills Emma's fiancé, and accidentally shoots Emma in the process before taking her own life.

"It's not typical to have a gunfight at a wedding opening your book," Peterson acknowledges, "but it was necessary for my characters."

This traumatic event becomes the catalyst for Emma's spiritual journey. Lying in a hospital bed, terrified of dying, Emma—who once told her mother she didn't want to be a Christian because "they didn't have fun"—finally opens her heart to faith through the loving intervention of her stepmother.

Characters That Capture Hearts

While Emma's transformation from fun-loving rebel to woman of faith forms the emotional core of the story, Peterson reveals that one of her favorite characters is Rosie, the sister of Tommy's older brother Colton. Rosie has learning disabilities and has been hidden away by her family, told she's incapable of learning anything.

"Rosie has no filters," Peterson explains with obvious affection. "She just says things that the rest of us would filter... sometimes I wish I could perform without filters. I think we all have those moments."

Emma becomes Rosie's advocate and teacher, helping her discover abilities no one believed she possessed. "She starts learning how to sew and then she wants to cook and then she wants to ride a horse and then she sees a piano and wants to learn," Peterson shares. "It's everything at once."

This character was inspired by Peterson's own family member who was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck and told doctors not to bother trying to teach them. "She's kind of a culmination of the spirit of, 'I'm gonna get this done. You watch me' that I find in my family."

The Art of Forgiveness

Throughout our conversation, Peterson emphasized one of the central themes woven through all her novels: forgiveness. "Forgiving is always a key issue in my books because I've had to be forgiven a lot and I've had to forgive a lot," she reflects. "I think everybody has. And I think it's something that universally we can all relate to."

This theme proves especially relevant as Emma navigates her new life in Cheyenne, Wyoming, supported by Colton, who has loved her from afar but never spoke up while she was engaged to his brother.

Rich Historical Details

Peterson's research into 1880s Cheyenne brings authentic historical texture to the story. She consulted with members of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association about ranching and spoke with railroad experts about the Union Pacific's expansion through the territory. The novel incorporates real historical elements, including the construction of Cheyenne's beautiful red sandstone depot during this pivotal period when Wyoming was achieving statehood.

"Cheyenne is just a fascinating place. Wyoming has a lot of really neat occurrences," Peterson notes, explaining how she draws from both the early formation period of the late 1860s in her Heart of Cheyenne series and the later development era of the 1880s-90s in the Hope of Cheyenne books.

What's Next

Readers won't have to wait long to continue the journey—all three books in the Hope of Cheyenne series are releasing in 2025, with A Constant Love having debuted in March and Designed with Love arriving in July.

Peterson is already working on her next series, set in 1870s Minneapolis, which will follow three generations of women united by their heart for helping the homeless, displaced, and orphaned. "It's going to be a generational story," she explains, spanning from grandmother to granddaughter across the three books, all scheduled for release in 2026.

Connect with Tracie Peterson

Readers can find Peterson at tracypeterson.com, where they can sign up for her newsletter and send messages. She's also active on Facebook as Author Tracie Peterson and can be reached through Bethany House Publishers.

Designed with Love promises to be a perfect summer read—a story that combines historical authenticity, compelling characters, and timeless themes of redemption and second chances. Sometimes the most beautiful love stories begin in the most unexpected ways, even with a gunfight at a wedding.

Designed with Love releases in July 2025 as part of the Hope of Cheyenne series from Bethany House Publishers.

Announcements

The LiteraryScape Book Club is here! You can now become a member for just $7 a month or $70 for the year. Just head on over to www.literaryscape.com and click on Book Club in the menu to join.

Our next Coffee and Books event will be on Tuesday June 24th from 2:00-3:00pm EST. Join authors Lynn Shannon, Crystal Caudill, and myself for an hour of book talk! Be sure to sign-up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to receive a link to join in.

I am thrilled to announce the cover reveal and pre-order launch for my brand-new Wild West romance that's going to capture your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Introducing Uncharted Trials book two of the Bounty Brothers series—a gripping tale where murder, faith, and forbidden love collide in the untamed American West.

Picture this: Dr. James McPherson, a bounty hunter with a healer's heart, never expected his latest patient would steal his soul. But when he meets Madeline Flynn—a fierce protector of her deaf brother and survivor of unspeakable tragedy—everything changes. As James tends to her wounds, he vows to shield her from the murderer stalking her family.

But here's where it gets intense, listeners. As their attraction deepens, dark secrets from both their pasts threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. When their pasts violently collide and Madeline is torn from James's grasp, both must trust in God's plan to find their way back to each other.

With a killer's shadow looming and their faith tested to its limits, Madeline and James face an impossible choice: Is love worth the risk? And is God's grace enough to overcome the demons that haunt them?

This is more than just a romance, friends. This is a heart-pounding tale of faith, healing, sacrifice, and second chances set against the backdrop of the untamed American frontier. It is a story that will have you questioning whether faith and love can truly outrun the shadows of the past—or if the killer hunting Madeline will destroy their chance at happiness forever.

Uncharted Trials is now available for pre-order at www.literaryscape.com/shop only.

Head over to www.literaryscape.com to secure your copy today and be among the first to experience this unforgettable journey of love, faith, and redemption in the Wild West.

That's all for today's announcement, but we'll be back with more incredible books and authors. Until then, keep reading, keep believing, and remember—the best stories are the ones that touch both your heart and your soul.

Episode Notes:

Behind the Scenes with Tracie Peterson: Second Chances and Montana's Hidden Gems

We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with bestselling author Tracie Peterson to discuss her latest collaboration with Kimberly Woodhouse, An Unexpected Grace, the third book in the captivating Jewels of Kalispell series. What unfolded was a conversation filled with insights about faith, second chances, and the magic that happens when authors bring history to life.

A Series Born from Montana's Beauty

The Jewels of Kalispell series holds a special place in Peterson's heart, and for good reason. Each book in the trilogy centers around a specific historical building in Kalispell, Montana, near Glacier National Park. An Unexpected Grace features the Macintosh Opera House, a fascinating piece of local history that came alive through Peterson and Woodhouse's research.

"We chose the Kalispell area because it's so gorgeous up there," Peterson explained. "You've got the Glacier National Park and just beautiful, beautiful lakes and mountains, and we thought that would be a lot of fun."

What makes this collaboration even more special is the serendipitous timing—for the first time in their writing partnership, Peterson and Woodhouse lived just two miles apart in Montana, allowing them to plot and plan together in person.

Characters Wrestling with God's Calling

An Unexpected Grace tells the story of two people who fell in love in their youth but were separated when their individual callings seemed to pull them in different directions. Now, years later, they're given a second chance at love—but not without wrestling with questions that many of us face.

Our hero begins the story having thought he was called to be a pastor, only to feel God directing him toward acting—a profession looked down upon by many Christians in the early 1900s. "Here's a young man who loves the Lord and felt that he could use his acting career to spread the gospel and to speak to people who might not otherwise hear it," Peterson shared.

Meanwhile, Johanna, now widowed with a child, creates elaborate hats (perfect for the fashion-forward early 1900s) while caring for her injured father and questioning her own path forward.

Themes That Resonate Today

What struck us most about our conversation with Peterson was how deeply personal these themes are for her—and likely for many readers. The question of whether we're following God's calling, and what happens when that calling seems to change, is one that transcends time periods.

"I think we just need to give ourselves permission to trust God and to know that if it's the right thing, He will take us forward into that and things will fall into place," Peterson reflected. "And you know, it might not be easy for sure, but He will take us through and He always is faithful to be with us in those things."

The Joy of Research Adventures

One of the most delightful parts of our interview was hearing about Peterson and Woodhouse's research trips. From touring the Carnegie Library featured in book one to exploring railroad depots for book two, their adventures brought the settings to vivid life.

The Macintosh Opera House research proved particularly memorable. While Peterson stayed upstairs due to knee troubles, Woodhouse ventured into the spooky basement of the old railroad depot and climbed the stairs to the shuttered opera house above a store. There, she could envision the crowds that once packed the venue—including a performance of Uncle Tom's Cabin that drew so many people they were reportedly "standing in the window ledges and hanging from the chandeliers."

Beloved Characters and Villainous Fun

Peterson lights up when discussing Marvella, the feisty older woman who appears throughout the series alongside her husband, the Judge. "She knows what she wants out of life. She loves passionately. She's solid in the Lord and she just grabs life by the horns and goes for it," Peterson said with obvious affection.

The duo is even considering a prequel series featuring these beloved characters—music to the ears of fans who've fallen in love with them.

As for writing villains, Peterson admits there's a certain freedom in crafting characters without the restrictions that come with heroes and heroines. Though she jokes that Woodhouse has the real talent for creating "amazing villains," Peterson finds joy in the liberty to make antagonists as complex and unpredictable as needed.

A Message of Hope

Ultimately, Peterson hopes readers will walk away from An Unexpected Grace with a renewed understanding that "God is a God of second chances." Whether it's love, career, relationships, or any other aspect of life where we think we've "blown it," Peterson believes God can "come behind and gently clean us up and take us forward."

An Unexpected Grace released on May 20th and is available now, along with the first two books in the series: Heart's Choice and Out of the Ashes.

You can connect with Tracie Peterson at tracypeterson.com and Kimberly Woodhouse at kimberlywoodhouse.com, where you can also sign up for their newsletters. Both authors are active on Facebook under Author Tracie Peterson and Author Kimberly Woodhouse.

Whether you're drawn to historical fiction, stories of second chances, or simply beautiful writing set against Montana's stunning backdrop, the Jewels of Kalispell series offers something truly special. As Peterson's own journey shows, sometimes the most beautiful stories come from the unexpected turns life takes—and the grace we find along the way.

Episode Link: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/behind-the-scenes-with-tracie-peterson-second-chances-and-montanas-hidden-gems