A Man for Temperance

Wagon Wheels #2

by Gilbert Morris

In 1850, Temperance Peabody, age 32, is a plain yet beautiful woman who has yet to know the thrill of romantic love. Raised in the Oregon territory where her parents established a strict religious colony, she was never allowed to have a suitor but now longs to have a family of her own.

After her parents die and a cholera epidemic wracks the colony, Temperance feels called by God to take the surviving orphaned children back East to their extended families. But the only man available to accompany her on the dangerous journey is Thaddeus Brennan, a hard-edged drifter with good reasons of his own to get out of town.

Despite the mismatch of Temperance’s purity with Thad’s hot temper, heavy drinking, and distaste for kids, the intensities of their trek help the two find common ground, perhaps enough on which to build a lasting relationship. But life and love are unpredictable. And when another man and woman join the journey, and a shock awaits two of the orphans, this hearty story of faith and new desires duly follows.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Westerns

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

also published under the name Gilbert L. Morris

Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris

Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*

Reviews

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and crazy like romance and just goes to show that oposits attract whether they are drunks or christians and I really enjoyed it. I give it 5 stars because it kept my interest tied to the book. It was funny and made me laugh out loud and the characters grabbed me right away.

The story was adventuress and very moving with the care of the children and the friendship bond that was made. I did think however that the book ended to quickly and it left me wanting to know more of what would become of them.

All I can say about the story that amazed me as I look back on life in general is - its funny how it takes a good woman to tame a man - LOL Of course with God's help, things always turn to the better good.

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gave to me by my mother - in law and I loved it .
This was a nice change to old West . I like how the story flowed and the chemistry was good with the characters.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realistic Western travels.

While reading this book I wondered how people survived the Trek across the wilderness. There were so many variables that worked against travelers. The men were mean to the main character which I preferred didn't happen.

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love stories set in the Old West and this had it all. Wrongfully accused man, spinster trying to rescue children, adventure on the trail, new arrivals, romance!

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

kind of glad this one is now off my want to read

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Temperance Peabody has the daunting responsibility of getting six orphaned kids to their relatives back East. Against his will, but indebted to Temperance, Thaddeus Brennan has agreed to be their guide. His hate for children and dislike of Temperance makes the arrangement less than ideal, but Temperance has no choice, and Thaddeus has reason himself to put space between him and the little town of Walla Walla, Oregon.



A MAN FOR TEMPERANCE is an enjoyable story. Though somewhat predictable, some amusing twists added to the pleasure of reading it. Thaddeus is far from hero status when he is introduced in the story. A hard man with a hot temper and an unhealthy drinking habit, Thaddeus’ bristly ways takes some time to warm up to. Temperance, ever level-headed in the task before her, butts heads with Thaddeus but has to put up with his vices if she is going to see the kids safely home to their extended families. The characters of Rena, Belle, and Quaid, really added to the story. I especially enjoyed watching the transformation in Rena.



With its western setting and colorful characters, A MAN FOR TEMPERANCE has entertained me enough that I have decided to read SANTA FE WOMAN, the first book in the Wagon Wheel series by GILBERT MORRIS.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Temperance springs no-account Brennan out of jail after he agrees to go east with her (and 6 children)on a wagon. Temperance is bringing the 6 children east to their relatives since the children's families in Wala Wala died in the cholera outbreak. Did I mention Brennan doesn't really like kids at all? The fun has only just begun!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

After cholera kills many in her town, 32 year old Temperence feels led by God to take some orphaned children back East to their relatives. The only man available to help her on the journey is a drifter with a hot temper, heavy drinking, and a need to get out of town. Good story but...

[Corynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite christian books ever, which is saying something because I've read quite a few. I love how the chemistry between the two main characters builds throughout the story, I LOVE books like that, I might consider reading some other books by Gilbert Morris...

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of an "old maid" and a rough & rude rowdy is fascinating. The characters are well-developed and intriguing. I enjoyed the descriptions of the pioneer trail and various danger encountered. I've never read anything by this author before - I'll have to check out his other books !

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the lady in this. She wasn't super preachy but still lived her beliefs. They 1st guy is a total schmuck though! I didn't like the way he was or how much slack she cut him. Other than that it was good.

[Frances Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

I read a review of one of the books in this series in which the complaint was that there was too much repetition. I agree, but there is still enough difference to make it worthwhile. At least that gospel message is plain, and God's grace and goodness set forth.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as Joelles secret....

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice visit to the old west and time of the Oregon trail. My mother loves reading this author, and it was a break from what I've been reading.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this in three hours and was pleased with how it went. I wouldn't give it any literary awards, but it was a nice bit of escapism.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the characters and I extremely like the how the story flowed and how believable it was.

[jan lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual and interesting story

Morris is one of my favorite authors. This is a great read and has an unusual but authentic
wonderful ending.

[Julie Holdsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

This book was able to hold my interest, but some of the sections were so similar to the first book in this series, that I found it disappointing.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Another book in the standalone novels from GM.”