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The Beast's Legacy #1
Loved by the Beast
SERIES ‘In The Beast’s Legacy, Elliott weaves together an engaging story with a brilliant cast and strong character arcs. I hold so much love in my heart for this series. If you’re looking for books that linger long after you’ve turned the last page, check these ones out.’
Nathaniel Luscombe, author of Moon Soul
What if the Beast Was Never a Beast?
Audric and Léa have both grown up under the shadow of how others perceive them. One is seen as a Beast, the other a Beauty. Both long for something more—to be seen, to be known, to be loved for more than what is on the outside. When Léa is faced with the prospect of an arranged marriage or see her father imprisoned, it is a sacrifice she is willing to make. However, when she finds that the rumored beast is nothing more than a gentle and kind man with an excessively hairy exterior, she is faced with another decision. Can her heart respond to his love even when she has had no power of decision in her life's story?
Audric gave up on finding love long ago, so when his mother tells him she has made a match for him, he cannot help but be skeptical of her plans. The rumors he's heard about himself since childhood have even him convinced he's a beast and not worthy of the love of a woman. Should hope be rekindled or squashed entirely? Set in early 18th century France and based on the classic versions of the timeless fairy tale, with a hint of the beloved childhood favorite, this retelling explores the depths of what true love looks like and the lengths one is willing to go in its defense.
The Beast's Legacy is a trilogy of Christian Historical Fiction books inspired by the classic versions of these fairy tales. 'Loved by the Beast' can be read as a stand-alone, while 'Service and Slumber' and 'A Gentle Pursuit' will be better understood in order. They are all character driven, gentle reads with a guaranteed happily ever after.
What if the Beast Was Never a Beast?
Audric and Léa have both grown up under the shadow of how others perceive them. One is seen as a Beast, the other a Beauty. Both long for something more—to be seen, to be known, to be loved for more than what is on the outside. When Léa is faced with the prospect of an arranged marriage or see her father imprisoned, it is a sacrifice she is willing to make. However, when she finds that the rumored beast is nothing more than a gentle and kind man with an excessively hairy exterior, she is faced with another decision. Can her heart respond to his love even when she has had no power of decision in her life's story?
Audric gave up on finding love long ago, so when his mother tells him she has made a match for him, he cannot help but be skeptical of her plans. The rumors he's heard about himself since childhood have even him convinced he's a beast and not worthy of the love of a woman. Should hope be rekindled or squashed entirely? Set in early 18th century France and based on the classic versions of the timeless fairy tale, with a hint of the beloved childhood favorite, this retelling explores the depths of what true love looks like and the lengths one is willing to go in its defense.
The Beast's Legacy is a trilogy of Christian Historical Fiction books inspired by the classic versions of these fairy tales. 'Loved by the Beast' can be read as a stand-alone, while 'Service and Slumber' and 'A Gentle Pursuit' will be better understood in order. They are all character driven, gentle reads with a guaranteed happily ever after.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
47 people are currently reading
1494 people want to read
About the author
T.E. Elliott
4 books52 followersBooks have always been like friends to me. When I felt left out or lonely, stories and characters and other worlds helped me feel a part of something bigger than myself. Now, as an author, I write to let others know that they are loved and that they are not alone.
Jesus is my muse! He is the greatest storyteller of all time! He inspires me and connects with me through the written word. My hope is to spread a little light through the amazing vessel of storytelling.
My style is classic, gentle, timeless, character driven, with emotional depth woven in here and there.
I hope you enjoy my stories!
Jesus is my muse! He is the greatest storyteller of all time! He inspires me and connects with me through the written word. My hope is to spread a little light through the amazing vessel of storytelling.
My style is classic, gentle, timeless, character driven, with emotional depth woven in here and there.
I hope you enjoy my stories!
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October 14, 2024I love my story and hope you will too!
Just a note for those who like to know what they're getting into:
This is a love story with depth, which is my favorite part of this timeless tale. There are themes of faith, though I have endeavored not to brow beat anyone with it. ;) It is geared toward adults as there are some elements that deal with mental health and sensuality, and one violent scene. Nothing is gratuitous and should be suitable for teenagers, my only caution is if you are on the far side of conservative, you may want to screen it before giving it to your pre-teens. ❤️
Just a note for those who like to know what they're getting into:
This is a love story with depth, which is my favorite part of this timeless tale. There are themes of faith, though I have endeavored not to brow beat anyone with it. ;) It is geared toward adults as there are some elements that deal with mental health and sensuality, and one violent scene. Nothing is gratuitous and should be suitable for teenagers, my only caution is if you are on the far side of conservative, you may want to screen it before giving it to your pre-teens. ❤️
December 25, 2019
Audric, hidden away from society and rumored to be a beast, has settled well into the only life he has ever known. One day when his mother announces that she has found a wife for him, Audric worries that no one could love him for who he is, although his mother tells him that he should not believe in the fairytale of love. Upon meeting the beautiful Lea, who is more than just an attractive surface, Audric hopes that his mother is wrong. But free will has been taken from Lea, unbeknownst to Audric. Can she truly come to love him when she is technically his prisoner?
I want to get this out of the way first: Traci Elliott is a good friend of mine. It’s important to me that I mention that, as I don’t want anyone to find out later and assume that my opinion is based on our friendship. While I cannot control what you do assume, I hope that being upfront will limit such erroneous conclusions. I want to reiterate something I’ve said before, too: Writing honest reviews, no matter how unpopular my perspective may be, is very important to me. Furthermore, we’ve discussed the book several times and Traci emphasized that it was really important to her that I was completely honest. She wanted constructive criticism and she believed she could trust me to do that respectfully. I was honored, of course, but it’s a daunting task! I cannot imagine saying to a friend, “Your baby is really cute but let me tell you some things I don’t like about him.” And this book is essentially Traci’s baby: her firstborn, her debut.
So now that I’ve rambled on for a bit, let me get to the point: I loved this book. It’s simply a thing of absolute beauty. The messages within the story are timeless truths that should, at least, cause the reader to reflect but, more importantly, deeply touch your heart.
The story’s historical accuracy is clear, proving that the author didn’t just throw the story together without doing her research. It makes it easier to imagine the setting and, I must say, I have now learned quite a few things.
The charming love story is slowly built and while it doesn’t contain the magic we’re often familiar with in Beauty and the Beast stories, it is still somehow magical in its execution.
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to set down. The influence of various versions is clear throughout the book, although the tale in this is highly original and more meaningful than any of the others that I have read. I am really looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. I recommend this to anyone who fully appreciates poignant romances with authentic relationship building and fans of Beauty and the Beast.
I want to get this out of the way first: Traci Elliott is a good friend of mine. It’s important to me that I mention that, as I don’t want anyone to find out later and assume that my opinion is based on our friendship. While I cannot control what you do assume, I hope that being upfront will limit such erroneous conclusions. I want to reiterate something I’ve said before, too: Writing honest reviews, no matter how unpopular my perspective may be, is very important to me. Furthermore, we’ve discussed the book several times and Traci emphasized that it was really important to her that I was completely honest. She wanted constructive criticism and she believed she could trust me to do that respectfully. I was honored, of course, but it’s a daunting task! I cannot imagine saying to a friend, “Your baby is really cute but let me tell you some things I don’t like about him.” And this book is essentially Traci’s baby: her firstborn, her debut.
So now that I’ve rambled on for a bit, let me get to the point: I loved this book. It’s simply a thing of absolute beauty. The messages within the story are timeless truths that should, at least, cause the reader to reflect but, more importantly, deeply touch your heart.
The story’s historical accuracy is clear, proving that the author didn’t just throw the story together without doing her research. It makes it easier to imagine the setting and, I must say, I have now learned quite a few things.
The charming love story is slowly built and while it doesn’t contain the magic we’re often familiar with in Beauty and the Beast stories, it is still somehow magical in its execution.
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to set down. The influence of various versions is clear throughout the book, although the tale in this is highly original and more meaningful than any of the others that I have read. I am really looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. I recommend this to anyone who fully appreciates poignant romances with authentic relationship building and fans of Beauty and the Beast.
February 26, 2025
Loved by the Beast was not on my radar until I started talking to the author. I knew that I had to give it a shot because she seemed very passionate about her projects. If there's anything I love, it's reading the work that comes directly from the heart.
This book was amazing. It is a historical retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It has representation of an actual disability, which I have never seen before in a book, and it contains one of the best character growth arcs I have ever read. T. E. Elliott is an amazing author. Her writing is so uniquely suited to her, and the stories reflect that so well. The characters were so well done. They went through periods of questioning, doubting, but also loving and learning to love. The situations were handled so well and showed real maturity on their part.
Overall a really good book that I couldn't get enough of. I see myself reading the sequel sometime in the future. Elliott is an author to keep an eye on.
This book was amazing. It is a historical retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It has representation of an actual disability, which I have never seen before in a book, and it contains one of the best character growth arcs I have ever read. T. E. Elliott is an amazing author. Her writing is so uniquely suited to her, and the stories reflect that so well. The characters were so well done. They went through periods of questioning, doubting, but also loving and learning to love. The situations were handled so well and showed real maturity on their part.
Overall a really good book that I couldn't get enough of. I see myself reading the sequel sometime in the future. Elliott is an author to keep an eye on.
March 28, 2021
I love beauty and the beast retellings so much!! I've had bad luck with the last few, so I was so relieved when Loved by the Beast turned out to be just what I needed to read this weekend! It was perfect. I want to cry and laugh and sigh happily at the same time. I'm still smiling from the ending! Can't wait to read the rest of the series :)
February 12, 2020
Truly beautiful love story!
Wow!! As much as I love the magical elements of most fairytale retellings, this was so beautiful and real that I didn't miss them! This story had it's own magic! I spent time reading about hypertrichosis and also discovered that this might very well have been the basis for the origin of Beauty and the Beast. The love story was so pure, so complete, so self-less, especially from one who didn't have a good example of love between his parents. Christian faith is demonstrated, and I loved that element also, but really in a minimal way that those who aren't interested in that really shouldn't be turned off. The storyline follows the Beauty and the Beast that we all know fairly closely- in other words, no big surprises. If you like romance, fairytale retellings, or even just historical love stories I highly recommend this book! I can't wait for her next books to come out!! My newest author to follow! Oh yeah, also, I didn't notice any grammatical errors. It seems like there are so many kindle versions full of spelling and other errors that distract from the quality of the story, so I like to mention this fact for others!
Wow!! As much as I love the magical elements of most fairytale retellings, this was so beautiful and real that I didn't miss them! This story had it's own magic! I spent time reading about hypertrichosis and also discovered that this might very well have been the basis for the origin of Beauty and the Beast. The love story was so pure, so complete, so self-less, especially from one who didn't have a good example of love between his parents. Christian faith is demonstrated, and I loved that element also, but really in a minimal way that those who aren't interested in that really shouldn't be turned off. The storyline follows the Beauty and the Beast that we all know fairly closely- in other words, no big surprises. If you like romance, fairytale retellings, or even just historical love stories I highly recommend this book! I can't wait for her next books to come out!! My newest author to follow! Oh yeah, also, I didn't notice any grammatical errors. It seems like there are so many kindle versions full of spelling and other errors that distract from the quality of the story, so I like to mention this fact for others!
November 18, 2019
A sweet retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story. What I love about it: The depth of the love story that Disney classics lack, the input of real history, and the unexpected twists. I grew attached to the characters, and didn’t want the story to end!
March 4, 2020
This book was surprisingly engrossing and moving for me since it is not the normal genre I would read. I think the theme of love and acceptance in the face of brokenness and social rejection can resonate with many of us. I especially appreciated that Audric didn't magically turn into a handsome prince and that Lea had real life struggles with loving him. I also had a sense that given that period in history and the way people with Audric's condition were actually treated, this story isn't far fetched.
The story brought me sadness at times but in the end it was very satisfying.
I'm a slow reader so if a book doesn't grab my attention early on, I either quit or shelf it for another time. The first time, I read the book in two days and a little while later read it a second time. This book may not appeal to everyone depending on expectations but it is well written and insightful.
The story brought me sadness at times but in the end it was very satisfying.
I'm a slow reader so if a book doesn't grab my attention early on, I either quit or shelf it for another time. The first time, I read the book in two days and a little while later read it a second time. This book may not appeal to everyone depending on expectations but it is well written and insightful.
March 24, 2020
This is a sweet story that explores the differences and overlap between friendship, respect, and romantic love--it's the opposite of the insta-love that shows up in so many similar books!
I would *almost* recommend this book for any age, because there only delicate hints at anything approaching adult content. But because concepts like 'respecting her virtue' are a fairly important part of the story, certain younger readers might be confused by the emphasis, and why these things are so important to the surrounding society, unless given some level of explanation. There are also some very emotionally charged moments, some violence (not graphic, but emotionally charged), and what seems best described as an intense form of bullying. So instead of a specific age recommendation on this one, I'd recommend it for any reader who is emotionally ready and prepared for that kind of a story.
I would *almost* recommend this book for any age, because there only delicate hints at anything approaching adult content. But because concepts like 'respecting her virtue' are a fairly important part of the story, certain younger readers might be confused by the emphasis, and why these things are so important to the surrounding society, unless given some level of explanation. There are also some very emotionally charged moments, some violence (not graphic, but emotionally charged), and what seems best described as an intense form of bullying. So instead of a specific age recommendation on this one, I'd recommend it for any reader who is emotionally ready and prepared for that kind of a story.
December 18, 2019
An excellent retelling of a favorite story (p.s. I am starting to really enjoy seeking out new twists on old favorites). I actually appreciated the lack of magic. This is the retelling with the ending that I have been hoping for. Really, just see the author's review for overall content. She gave herself an honest review and a heads up for those who want to make sure it is clean and virtuous... which it is.
I was involved with the characters and when the next books come out I will likely read them, just for fun.
I was involved with the characters and when the next books come out I will likely read them, just for fun.
December 15, 2019
Wow
Holy carp this book was amazing! I never leave reviews, but this book truly deserves it. The story is so fresh and different from any other beauty and the beast spin off I've read and the characters and the development of their relationship was so natural and eloquently done. I would 100% recommend this book and I applaud the author for such excellent work!
Holy carp this book was amazing! I never leave reviews, but this book truly deserves it. The story is so fresh and different from any other beauty and the beast spin off I've read and the characters and the development of their relationship was so natural and eloquently done. I would 100% recommend this book and I applaud the author for such excellent work!
May 12, 2020
Awesome!
I really enjoyed this historical retelling of Beauty and the Beast! I loved the Christian message. Audric and Lea both surprised and enchanted me. I loved Lea’s soul searching and Audric’s willingness to face persecution for his love. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I really enjoyed this historical retelling of Beauty and the Beast! I loved the Christian message. Audric and Lea both surprised and enchanted me. I loved Lea’s soul searching and Audric’s willingness to face persecution for his love. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
April 16, 2020
Such a beautiful story! The characters have real depth, and the storyline has some surprising twists which made it hard for me to set the book down. I appreciated the strong principles of faith that are woven throughout, yet it is never preachy or annoyingly pious. I am eager to read the sequels when they are released, and look forward to sharing this book with my daughter when she is a teenager.
January 22, 2021
This is truly such a beautiful story, that delighted me and made me feel deeply from beginning to end! I’ve always been a fan of Beauty and the Beast, and this is only my second re-telling I’ve read. I had such a hard time putting this one down, and if I didn’t have kids to tend to, I would have finished it in one sitting!
The messages of true love, sacrifice and the focus on beauty within oneself and others rather than outward appearance were executed wonderfully. I loved Audric’s character so much, and was charmed by many other characters as well. This is a tale I will surely read to my own children one day.
I’m very excited to read the other two books in the series when they come out!
The messages of true love, sacrifice and the focus on beauty within oneself and others rather than outward appearance were executed wonderfully. I loved Audric’s character so much, and was charmed by many other characters as well. This is a tale I will surely read to my own children one day.
I’m very excited to read the other two books in the series when they come out!
April 3, 2020
I loved this retelling of Beauty and Beast, likely closer to the real story than the fairy tale. It was sweet, with a tender romance.
November 9, 2020
Amazing story for those looking for a great Christian love story ❤️❤️❤️
September 26, 2021
unique take on Beauty and the Beast
writing was not my favorite
3 stars
writing was not my favorite
3 stars
December 11, 2022
This was such a good Beauty and the Beast retelling!! It had just the right amount of elements from the original while keeping it unique and fresh, like the fact that he wasn't a beast at all, but a man with a hair growth disease. Plus this was a historical retelling, not fantasy, which is really interesting. I loved it! Lea and Audric were great characters and I loved seeing their friendship and then love grow. Sweet little Audric is my baby!
The writing made it hard to read and confusing at times, as there was a loot of head-hopping, even in a single paragraph, making it where I struggled to keep up with who's thoughts and views I was seeing. But the story was good enough to make that manageable, and I'm sure the author's writing has grown!
I have the second book, so I'm excited to start it and see what T.E. Elliott has in store for that set of characters and their story!! Definitely recommend Loved by the Beast to clean romance retelling lovers!
The writing made it hard to read and confusing at times, as there was a loot of head-hopping, even in a single paragraph, making it where I struggled to keep up with who's thoughts and views I was seeing. But the story was good enough to make that manageable, and I'm sure the author's writing has grown!
I have the second book, so I'm excited to start it and see what T.E. Elliott has in store for that set of characters and their story!! Definitely recommend Loved by the Beast to clean romance retelling lovers!
June 18, 2020
Sweet, lovely, and down to earth
This novel captures both God’s love for all, no matter skin conditions or colors, and how we have need to look underneath superficial things to accomplish great things in our lives. Those great things crate risk and that risk creates memories and stirs emotions. Audric and Léa have captured my heart with their true and honest love story. How graceful and beautiful these pages lay with the risk it is to give another your heart snd soul.
This novel captures both God’s love for all, no matter skin conditions or colors, and how we have need to look underneath superficial things to accomplish great things in our lives. Those great things crate risk and that risk creates memories and stirs emotions. Audric and Léa have captured my heart with their true and honest love story. How graceful and beautiful these pages lay with the risk it is to give another your heart snd soul.
October 25, 2020
A sweet, retelling with interesting historical threads. I liked the French setting and nuances, just delightful! The author peaked my interest with the Beast’s condition and how Beauty would overcome. As well how the confrontation between the Beast and the town would happen kept me reading. Nicely done.
March 7, 2022
I haven't read a lot of retellings yet, but I feel like this one is pretty near perfect. You can clearly see how the story is inspired by Beauty & the Beast, but at the same time, it has its own things that make it unique. The depth and emotion from the characters and their journey is so heartfelt and beautiful. I loved absolutely everything about reading this and am so glad there are companion novels to go along with this story. I can't wait to read more.
November 18, 2020
First, I must address the glowing reviews that regard this novel as having more depth and beauty than the classic Disney. I’m sorry, but those persons are mistaken. There are certainly a lot of polite conversations that take place between the two main characters, but the author has chosen to create a situation where the “beast” is only a man with a condition that keeps him locked away from the unkind world, and a scheming mother who traps “Beauty” into a betrothal. This completely undermines what I always loved best about the classic Beauty and the Beast story; the redemption arch. Love’s transformative power. Audric is just a nice guy with excessive body hair, and Lèa is a Mary Sue, being described as so very compassionate, and kind, and beautiful, but hardly reacts to anything like a person with genuine struggles or emotions. There’s no character growth or development, because they’re portrayed as excruciatingly nice people to begin with. I sympathised most with the mother, who is painted as something of a villain. Her decisions may be misguided and at times illogical, but always made in the interest of protecting her son and promoting his happiness. Audric and Lèa just sort of mope and cheese their way through their relationship.
As a Christian the religious aspect confused me terribly. Audric is constantly praying and claims God speaks to him, (uh oh) but despite being denied membership into the Catholic church due to his condition, he makes it very clear he is NOT a Protestant. Conveniently, a Huguenot minister is found when needed for a marriage ceremony, but no mention of chapel, or doctrine, or creed is given, except to declare what Audric is not, and one time Lèa crosses herself at the end of a prayer before declaring the rose garden will be their church. This smacks of cultism and made me uncomfortable. I feel the novel would have been much better if the religious undertones were either kept as that—subtle undertones, or fully committed to with all the spiritual grit and turmoil of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Yes, a “classic Disney” with depth.
Overall, I did like the idea of putting a beloved fairy story into an historical context, but the execution fell short of the mark. Rather than rich descriptions of gowns, grounds, and grandeur, historical facts and settings were slipped into the text more or less like a list, or a disjointed discussion about science.
If you’re wanting a very tame, Hallmark channel version of Beauty and the Beast with a lot of praying, you will love this. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
As a Christian the religious aspect confused me terribly. Audric is constantly praying and claims God speaks to him, (uh oh) but despite being denied membership into the Catholic church due to his condition, he makes it very clear he is NOT a Protestant. Conveniently, a Huguenot minister is found when needed for a marriage ceremony, but no mention of chapel, or doctrine, or creed is given, except to declare what Audric is not, and one time Lèa crosses herself at the end of a prayer before declaring the rose garden will be their church. This smacks of cultism and made me uncomfortable. I feel the novel would have been much better if the religious undertones were either kept as that—subtle undertones, or fully committed to with all the spiritual grit and turmoil of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Yes, a “classic Disney” with depth.
Overall, I did like the idea of putting a beloved fairy story into an historical context, but the execution fell short of the mark. Rather than rich descriptions of gowns, grounds, and grandeur, historical facts and settings were slipped into the text more or less like a list, or a disjointed discussion about science.
If you’re wanting a very tame, Hallmark channel version of Beauty and the Beast with a lot of praying, you will love this. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
Mi rating tiene más relación con las últimas 50 páginas que todo el libro en sí, que tuve que empezar a saltear porque me era imposible terminarlo de otro modo.
Esta bien construido el ambiente romántico entre los protagonistas, pero me hubiera gustado algo de tensión entre ellos y hasta un poco de ira más evidente en Léa. Por la contra parte masculina, ya se me olvidó el nombre, y estuvo demasiado simple, con poca profundidad teniendo en cuenta que era un hombre encerrado toda la vida en una casa además de ser considerado un monstruo.
En general es un libro de romance tierno, pero que me costo demasiado terminar. En general he leído mejores adaptaciones del clásico "La bella y la bestia".
Esta bien construido el ambiente romántico entre los protagonistas, pero me hubiera gustado algo de tensión entre ellos y hasta un poco de ira más evidente en Léa. Por la contra parte masculina, ya se me olvidó el nombre, y estuvo demasiado simple, con poca profundidad teniendo en cuenta que era un hombre encerrado toda la vida en una casa además de ser considerado un monstruo.
En general es un libro de romance tierno, pero que me costo demasiado terminar. En general he leído mejores adaptaciones del clásico "La bella y la bestia".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2020
Beautiful story
This book is awesome! The story is well told. The world building is beautiful. The characters relate to each other in a realistic and interesting way. This is a new story of Beauty and the Beast that incorporates historical facts and remains true to the original fairytale without being cliché. The relationship with God is sincere and well if haltingly developed in each character. It’s clear that each one is sincerely grappling with the devastation life can bring with God’s help in the context of their relationship with God, which stands on its own and is not a means to an end, a refreshing change from many other books.
There is no ulterior message or point about the divine other than an authentic grappling with evil in a way that allows the sacred relationship to succeed and overcome the intentional offenses of others, while the protagonists remain personally connected to God in a way that doesn’t allow for manipulation by those with ecclesiastical, political, economic, or social power, meaning that each person retains his or her integrity with God’s blessing. This is amazing and so many authors get it wrong, rationalize it, look past it, ignore it, or use it to moralize or condemn arrogant self- righteousness, without ever understanding a sincere, personal relationship with God from the inside out and presenting it with authenticity in character development. The author also illustrates the reality of dark periods of confusion, realistic blind spots, and growth through the story arc, without sermonizing or attaching any element of shame. This is amazing work!
I very much enjoyed reading this book, though some parts of sorrow are difficult to get through and it hurts. The romance respects both parties and the end manages to eschew the rape culture motif that is all too common in the usual infuriatingly mundane and typical romance tropes that have overtaken the romance genre in modern times. Processing pain and grief in a realistic way is presented in a healthy way, as the characters realize they do not need to be perfect to establish safe boundaries that protect themselves while also treating others with respect. They may become emotionally flooded, but that leads the protagonists to seek comfort from safe people in healthy ways instead of glorifying anger management difficulties and allowing communication to devolve into obscenities instead of explaining the problem and seeking solutions for it. Other characters deal with grief using substance abuse, avoidance, and violence, but these are presented in an honest way with the realistic results that the grief remains and the only way to get through it is to grieve and form a healthy social support network where each person is valued.
Further, there are no graphic sexual scenes where people seek to solve their unrelated grief problems or relationship frustrations in a psychologically unhealthy way by misappropriating the physical endorphins that occur during a courtship that leads up to sexual intimacy or by misusing actual sexual intimacy in the same way. Yea! This book is ya friendly as there are no obscenities and no graphic sexual content despite dealing with themes of evil, power struggles, and ambiguous grief in a realistic way.
This book is awesome! The story is well told. The world building is beautiful. The characters relate to each other in a realistic and interesting way. This is a new story of Beauty and the Beast that incorporates historical facts and remains true to the original fairytale without being cliché. The relationship with God is sincere and well if haltingly developed in each character. It’s clear that each one is sincerely grappling with the devastation life can bring with God’s help in the context of their relationship with God, which stands on its own and is not a means to an end, a refreshing change from many other books.
There is no ulterior message or point about the divine other than an authentic grappling with evil in a way that allows the sacred relationship to succeed and overcome the intentional offenses of others, while the protagonists remain personally connected to God in a way that doesn’t allow for manipulation by those with ecclesiastical, political, economic, or social power, meaning that each person retains his or her integrity with God’s blessing. This is amazing and so many authors get it wrong, rationalize it, look past it, ignore it, or use it to moralize or condemn arrogant self- righteousness, without ever understanding a sincere, personal relationship with God from the inside out and presenting it with authenticity in character development. The author also illustrates the reality of dark periods of confusion, realistic blind spots, and growth through the story arc, without sermonizing or attaching any element of shame. This is amazing work!
I very much enjoyed reading this book, though some parts of sorrow are difficult to get through and it hurts. The romance respects both parties and the end manages to eschew the rape culture motif that is all too common in the usual infuriatingly mundane and typical romance tropes that have overtaken the romance genre in modern times. Processing pain and grief in a realistic way is presented in a healthy way, as the characters realize they do not need to be perfect to establish safe boundaries that protect themselves while also treating others with respect. They may become emotionally flooded, but that leads the protagonists to seek comfort from safe people in healthy ways instead of glorifying anger management difficulties and allowing communication to devolve into obscenities instead of explaining the problem and seeking solutions for it. Other characters deal with grief using substance abuse, avoidance, and violence, but these are presented in an honest way with the realistic results that the grief remains and the only way to get through it is to grieve and form a healthy social support network where each person is valued.
Further, there are no graphic sexual scenes where people seek to solve their unrelated grief problems or relationship frustrations in a psychologically unhealthy way by misappropriating the physical endorphins that occur during a courtship that leads up to sexual intimacy or by misusing actual sexual intimacy in the same way. Yea! This book is ya friendly as there are no obscenities and no graphic sexual content despite dealing with themes of evil, power struggles, and ambiguous grief in a realistic way.
September 21, 2020
Beautiful “historical” retelling- meaning that there’s no magic, no “curse” aside from a birth defect.
Definitely worth a read, though it’s one of the more sappy/happy retellings I’ve read as opposed to angsty.
The beast is never a jerk, but you feel for him and are on his side from the start, which at times puts you against Belle. The true growth and maturity happens on Belle’s side, and the redemption piece comes with the Duchess and not either of the MCs
There is also an interesting, but historically accurate, faith piece to this retelling, which was beautiful and appreciated but not as deep as it could have been.
Definitely worth a read, though it’s one of the more sappy/happy retellings I’ve read as opposed to angsty.
The beast is never a jerk, but you feel for him and are on his side from the start, which at times puts you against Belle. The true growth and maturity happens on Belle’s side, and the redemption piece comes with the Duchess and not either of the MCs
There is also an interesting, but historically accurate, faith piece to this retelling, which was beautiful and appreciated but not as deep as it could have been.
January 3, 2021
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
I did appreciate that the titular Beast wasn’t the one imprisoning Beauty (nor was he aware that she was there against her will.)
While the cover claims to be historical fiction, sometimes the dialogue is very obviously modern - I realize that it has to be somewhat divorced from the true vernacular of the setting, otherwise modern readers wouldn’t have a clue what was going on - but sometimes the dialogue was just too modern sounding.
I appreciated the subtlety of the Christian messages woven into the story. Sometimes with Christian fiction it can feel like the author is trying to beat you over the head with a Bible and every character is having gigantic spiritual epiphanies right and left. This story felt more natural.
I did appreciate that the titular Beast wasn’t the one imprisoning Beauty (nor was he aware that she was there against her will.)
While the cover claims to be historical fiction, sometimes the dialogue is very obviously modern - I realize that it has to be somewhat divorced from the true vernacular of the setting, otherwise modern readers wouldn’t have a clue what was going on - but sometimes the dialogue was just too modern sounding.
I appreciated the subtlety of the Christian messages woven into the story. Sometimes with Christian fiction it can feel like the author is trying to beat you over the head with a Bible and every character is having gigantic spiritual epiphanies right and left. This story felt more natural.
July 30, 2025
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in France during the late 16th or early 17th century. The storyline follows the original fairy tale relatively closely, although the cause of the Beast's appearance is based on a true medical condition called hypertrichosis. I've read a number of other Beauty and the Beast retellings, but this is by far my favorite! I loved the setting, the lyrical writing, the way faith played into the growth of the characters and their relationship. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
This book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in France during the late 16th or early 17th century. The storyline follows the original fairy tale relatively closely, although the cause of the Beast's appearance is based on a true medical condition called hypertrichosis. I've read a number of other Beauty and the Beast retellings, but this is by far my favorite! I loved the setting, the lyrical writing, the way faith played into the growth of the characters and their relationship. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
March 8, 2021
I’ve never read a historical retelling of a fairy tale before and I’m SO GLAD that I did. LOVED BY THE BEAST had the romance, trials and memorable Beauty (Léa) and the Beast (Audric). One thing I loved was how Audric’s mother not only created some tension between these two lovers, but has a big change of heart. Learning how Audric finally got some happiness after living a life of loneliness due to his appearance was heartwarming. Léa’s change of heart for Audric proves that LOVE conquers all. This was a creative & favorable BEAUTY & THE BEAST RETELLING.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2020
This was a beautiful retelling of beauty and the beast focusing on the historical aspect of where they believe the origins of the story came from. It was beautifully written and very moving. Themes of faith and redemption were woven throughout that added such depth to this story. I loved that it wasn't a fantastical retelling which to me made it very unique.
Content:
Sexual: kissing only
Violence: mob violence (mild)
Language: none
Content:
Sexual: kissing only
Violence: mob violence (mild)
Language: none
June 6, 2021
A Little Preachy, but still Entertaining.
3.5 rounded up to 4. I enjoyed this book, though the first 3/4 was much better than the ending. The ending suddenly veered to the right and because very God fearing and tedious. There were too many mishaps and too much angst compared to the rest of the book. I wish the ending had been more satisfying, but c'est la vie! I would recommend this to a friend with a slight warning about what I've already said.
3.5 rounded up to 4. I enjoyed this book, though the first 3/4 was much better than the ending. The ending suddenly veered to the right and because very God fearing and tedious. There were too many mishaps and too much angst compared to the rest of the book. I wish the ending had been more satisfying, but c'est la vie! I would recommend this to a friend with a slight warning about what I've already said.
September 15, 2020
This was great! It was pretty close character-wise to the OG Beauty & the Beast but also brought in a Gaston character. I think that the use of hypertrichosis instead of a curse made it a lot more meaningful while still being true to one of my favorite fairy tales. I also loved the way that T.E. Elliot avoided the Stockholm Syndrome troupe and instead made that a point of contention in their relationship. Audric and Lea are honestly great characters but I really loved Audric and his relationship with God. All of the Christian elements were great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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