"Taming Lady Temperance" by Karen Witemeyer

[reviewsbyerin]

I've been so excited for Karen Witemeyer's new series ever since I heard of the concept. The Secret Society of Spinsters will bring the possibility of love to three Texas spinsters. As someone who didn't meet and marry my husband until I was in my 40s, this is a topic that is close to my heart and I love the representation of older singles.

Noreen O'Sullivan is an extremely passionate heroine. Her foremost calling is to temperance, because of how her life was shaped by her alcoholic father. Whether she is staging one-woman protests or passing out temperance literature, Noreen is widely known around town. Most are her friends. Some are her enemies.

Deputy James Paxton dreams of law, order, and promotion. With a desire to be unbiased and just in every situation, James is caught off guard when he becomes attracted to the woman who can sometimes be a nuisance. 

When Noreen realizes James could be an ally and help her achieve her goals in a law-abiding way, their friendship forms quickly. Their perspectives are often different and come with plenty of conflict, and when tempers flare and danger to the town comes about because of the temperance movement, their connection is threatened.

I still love the idea of this series and can't wait to read the next ones. Noreen wasn't my favorite heroine because she is so incredibly feisty, and I couldn't relate to her personality in that way. However, I loved the different ways Noreen and James are perfect for each other. Their personalities played off each other so well, in both their strengths and their weaknesses. There's a lot to enjoy in this story, including some truly unpredictable twists and turns.

I would recommend this book to all fans of Karen Witemeyer and western historical romance.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.