Taming Lady Temperance By Karen Witemeyer

Taming Lady Temperance

by Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: The Secret Society of Spinsters

ISBN: 780764244735

I was so excited to read this new story for a new series by one of my favorite Western romance authors! A series about spinsters sounded so delightful! Thankful to the author and publisher for sending me the book for review! 

Summary:

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.

My Review:

Taming Lady Temperance had so many wonderful layers! Noreen was such a relatable character! Have you ever been passionate about something? Especially a cause that's personal to you? If so, you'll completely get Noreen! She's set her sights on the local saloon - it's owner & patrons - and you get to see her determination from the get-go. She has the best of intentions, it's a good reminder that sometimes you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. It's a lesson she begins to learn thanks to Deputy Paxton and her friends.

Deputy Paxton cringes when he initially has to deal with Noreen and it's easy to see why. She causes waves and it's a fine line he has to walk with making sure everyone's rights are observed as well as keeping the peace. I really felt for him. His job wasn't an easy one, but I honestly loved his perspective because it really helped me to understand how hard it was to do his job, but also have his own opinions as a person, if that makes sense. James is a kind man who intends to uphold the law and do it with integrity.

There's a lot going on in this little town! There's a new secret society of spinsters and Noreen is hopeful the ladies will agree to help with her temperance movement! Throughout the story, we begin to learn why temperance is so important to her. So does Deputy Paxton. Her stepfather is trying to move up in the town, but he's the worst of men. Don't even get me started on how much I disliked him!

Of course, this wouldn't be a Karen Witemeyer book if it didn't have sweet romance and a good dose of pointing back to the Lord, which I'm always thankful for. Watching Noreen and James's "relationship" go from barely tolerable to more was a fun ride. The story is a wonderful reminder to rely on God and his direction instead of anger, hurt, or our own determination. Noreen has no idea what lays ahead for her as she goes up against the Salt Fork Saloon. Thank goodness for her dear friends and the ladies of the spinster society!

About the Author:

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.