Book description:
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:
Karen Witemeyer is one of my top favorite authors, and I always look forward to her newest book.
And this book has intrigued me since I first heard about it. The book is set in the late 1800's, and centers around a group of women who are unmarried, have no intentions of getting married, and are all about women's rights and suffrage.
The main female character is Noreen O' Sullivan, whose main focus is temperance and getting the town saloon closed down. The main male character is Deputy James Paxton who agrees with her stance, but is torn between keeping the law and peace and helping the woman he is attracted to. That comes to a humorous climax, which I will not give away.
There is a lot of back and forth between the saloon owner and Noreen, with the former not being too excited about her temperance efforts.
I loved both main characters. They played off of each other very well, and both were very likable characters. There is a lot of drama, action, romance, humor, and even an element of suspense in this great novel. It might seem odd that a guy could enjoy a book with the women's rights and suffrage topics, but I loved the book.
And it is educational. I learned a little about the temperance movement, including the fact that there were temperance hymns, which I Googled.
Some books have an evil stepmother, but this one has an evil stepfather, who is very easy to dislike.
Witemeyer certainly did not disappoint with this first book in her new series. I thoroughly enjoyed Noreen and James' story. I am already looking forward to the next book.
Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
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.
