Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters, #1) by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.

Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

Noreen O'Sullivan knows firsthand how alcohol can change a person and affect a family, so it isn't surprising that she's determined to promote temperance in her hometown. It's also no surprise that closing down the local saloon won't sit well with many of the people in Albany. There's sure to be opposition! What steps will Deputy James Paxton take to preserve the peace?

Taming Lady Temperance is a page-turning story that's both lighthearted and thought-provoking. Noreen believes that her methods are the only way to achieve prohibition in Albany, and James is determined to honor the badge that he wears. Does that mean that preserving the law limits mercy, compassion, and understanding? Will Noreen's stubbornness prevent her from accepting that changing hearts and altering actions may be someone else's job? Will they both give God full control?

I loved the faith element, the historical details, and the friendship and support system enjoyed by Noreen and the other members of the Spinsters' society. It was, however, the sweet but swoon-worthy romance and the laugh-out-loud antics that made this such an engaging read for me!

Taming Lady Temperance is another winning story for author Karen Witemeyer, and it's also the first book of her new series. I look forward to more books featuring the suffragettes who belong to The Secret Society of Spinsters!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A lifelong bookworm, Karen Witemeyer is living her dream by writing novels. Her books have consistently hit bestseller lists and have garnered awards such as the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. In addition, she is a multiple RITA and National Reader's Choice finalist. Karen is also a sought-after speaker for national writing conferences and regional workshops.

Karen's favorite aspect of her writing life is hearing from readers. Nothing encourages her heart more. She'd love to hear from you. You can contact her here.

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  THE SECRET SOCIETY OF SPINSTERS

Taming Lady Temperance

Wooing the Wallflower

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Petticoat Ranch (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 1) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE BOOK

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he's the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband's twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.

Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother's murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn't need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.

As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God's plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West.

MY THOUGHTS.....

This book is such a treat! Author Mary Connealy seasons Petticoat Ranch with likable but fallible characters, realistic frontier life, and the trademark humor that I've come to expect. I was immediately drawn to this exciting story of a widowed woman who had been the sole provider for her four young daughters until her late husband's twin brother showed up unexpectedly. Sophie and her daughters need the physical help and protection that Clay McClellen can offer, but it won't be easy! Clay has little experience with females, let alone five, and Sophie and her girls have zero trust in men. Can they adapt to a life together?

I'm always ready for a Western adventure, but this is also a heartwarming story of struggling to find a new normal. The danger is real, the emotions are raw, and the need for faith and prayer is ever-present. I recommend Petticoat Ranch to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

This is a re-issue of a book first published as Lassoed in Texas in 2006. I received a digital ARC from the author and Wild Heart Books. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys that also have a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. 

Her most recent book series is Wyoming Sunrise.  Other series by Mary Connealy are: The Lumber Baron's' Daughters, Brothers in Arms, The Brides of Hope Mountain, Garrison’s Law, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing. along with many novellas. 

Mary is the bestselling author of 70 books and novellas and she has nearly a million books in print! 

Learn more at her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Petticoats and Cowboys Series

Petticoat Ranch

Calico Canyon

Gingham Mountain

Montana Rose

The Husband Tree

Wildflower Bride

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