Karen Witemeyer

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PHOTO: Award-winning author, purveyor of heartwarming historical romance, and master of storytelling that leaves you smiling.
Spreading Joy Through Heartwarming Historical Romance

Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer brings joy and romance to readers with her heartwarming historical novels.

Karen Witemeyer is a bestselling author known for her delightful historical romance novels that never fail to bring a smile to readers' faces. With a unique blend of humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes, she has captured the hearts of romance enthusiasts around the world. 

In 2023, Karen was honored with the prestigious title of #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author by Family Fiction Magazine, solidifying her position as a beloved and highly respected figure in the genre. Her ability to craft stories filled with warmth, faith, and love has garnered her a loyal following.

As a Christy Award-winning author, Karen Witemeyer has been recognized for her exceptional storytelling skills and her commitment to providing readers with heartwarming tales that transcend time. Her novels offer not only a captivating romance but also a belief in the power of hope and the joy of finding true love.

Karen firmly believes in the importance of happy endings, and her stories are a testament to that belief. Through her books, she seeks to uplift and inspire readers, reminding them that love, laughter, and faith can overcome any obstacles that life presents.

With each new release, Karen Witemeyer continues to captivate readers with her engaging characters, vivid historical settings, and a writing style that effortlessly blends humor and romance. Her novels provide an escape into a world where love conquers all and where happy endings are not only possible but eagerly anticipated.

For those seeking heartwarming historical romance that leaves a lasting smile on their faces, Karen Witemeyer's books are a must-read. Prepare to be swept away by her tales of love, faith, and happily ever afters as she takes you on a journey to the enchanting world of her imagination.

Who are your favorite writers?

I love to escape into books that make me smile and lift my spirits, and Jen Turano and Pepper Basham never disappoint. Jen's quirky characters and unconventional Gilded Age plotlines are just delightful. Her clever dialog leaves me grinning every time. Pepper writes heartfelt turn-of-the-century stories with characters who are rich in whimsy and plots that blend adventure and fun.

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

I've always been drawn to historical stories. There is something about escaping into a different time period that heightens the romance for me. Whether it is the big dresses, the simpler times, or the fairy-tale feel of love stories set in the past, I crave that historical element. Oddly enough, history was my least favorite subject in school. I didn't care of discussions centered on politics or wars. What I loved was getting lost in the lives of everyday people from bygone eras.

What kind of reader were you as a child? 

My enjoyment of historical stories started early. I loved Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. I also came home from the library with stacks of Encyclopedia Brown and Black Stallion books, so it's probably no shock that I write western historical romance with occasional mystery elements and lots of horses.

What book are you planning to read next?

Forged in Love by Mary Connealy. Mary is another author who writes historicals with a dash of humor. Her new Wyoming Sunrise series highlights women in professions that were dominated by men through most of history. Forged in Love features a female blacksmith. I can't wait to how that story unfolds!

What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?

With all my love of historical romance, I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I've seen several film adaptations and loved each one, but I've never read the book.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

When I prepare myself to write, I don writing socks. I have a drawer full of inspiring footwear. Some have books on them, others have cowboys, one has a Jane Austen quote. These put a smile on my face and set the mood for a positive writing experience. Dress for success, right?

What inspired your latest book?

Fairest of Heart is a Western reimagining of the classic fairy tale Snow White. I’ve seen fairy tales retold in medieval settings, contemporary settings, fantasy and sci-fi settings, but there aren’t too many that have been done in the Western genre. Since I love both fairy tales and cowboys, I couldn’t pass up the chance to combine them in a fun new way. A Texas Ranger hero, a villainess with a fondness for mirrors, seven retired drovers at the Diamond D Ranch, and a collection of missing jewels. What could be more fun?

Why fairy tales?

Some might think fairy tales childish and unrealistic, but I find them brimming with hope. Good triumphs over evil. Courage and honor are rewarded. Love can overcome any obstacle. Those themes are timeless and resonate with people from all walks of life. With all the hate and negativity in our world, I believe we can all use a few more fairy tales.

What is next for you?

Book 2 in the Texas Ever After series will feature a Cinder-fella story that opens with a ball and a boot left behind. The gender role swap won’t be the only twist in this story. Stepmother redemption, a villain rewrite, and an imaginary pair of sewing mice is but a taste of what is to come.

Testimonials/Praise

“Karen Witemeyer has a flair for penning charming stories filled with wit, humor, and swoon-worthy romance. Her books never fail to entertain me, and all of her stories to date have found their way onto my 'keeper' shelf.”

~Jen Turano, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Karen Witemeyer . . . excels at writing sweet, subtly sexy Western romances which are full of charm and joy. Her genuine, heartwarming stories never fail to bring a smile to my face.” 

~All About Romance

“Karen Witemeyer’s use of descriptive narrative, character-revealing dialogue, and historically accurate elements and details draw the reader in from the first sentence.”

           ~Women Writing the West on In Honor's Defense

“A delightful story with everything you’d want: romantic tension, drama, and a dash of humor. Fun and easy to read, this will delight all fans of the Christian romance genre.”

             ~Historical Novels Review on More Than Words Can Say

“More Than Meets the Eye . . . is easily the best Inspirational romance I have read in years, if not the best Inspirational romance I have ever read. The execution of the tale is just amazing.”

            ~All About Romance on More Than Meets the Eye

Excerpt from Fairest of Heart:

It took a moment for Titus to decipher that something other than a mound of brown dirt lay beneath the tree. Was that a face?

He crept closer.

Suddenly the mound moved. The men behind him sucked in a collective breath as a slender, pale arm poked out of the cocoon. Then a foot. A small foot. Wearing ladies' stockings. But it was the face that captivated Titus and beckoned him closer. A face that seemed familiar even though reposed in sleep.

The girl from yesterday. The wood nymph who'd appeared out of nowhere, twirling, dancing, smiling. But this girl looked nothing like the one he'd met. Her dark hair hung in a wild, matted nest of twigs and leaves. Scratches marred the skin of her face and hands. Hands that led to bare arms with nothing but a mud-brown blanket to cover them.

Had she been attacked after he left her? Titus's jaw clenched. He should have escorted her back to her people. Maybe he could have prevented . . .

"Is she sleepin' on a rope?"

"Poor thing."

"What's she doin' out here?"

"And where are her clothes? You figure she's one of them saloon gals?"

"What would a saloon gal be doing way out here?"

"I dunno. Maybe she got lost."

"Your mind's what got lost."

Titus turned around and shushed the whisperers who'd crept in behind him. The last thing this young woman needed was to wake up to the sight of seven strange men hovering over her. He was about to suggest the others retreat to their original position when Dusty let out a sneeze loud enough to rival a gunshot.

The girl awoke in a flash, sat up, and waved a wicked-looking hunting knife at them.

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