What do you think?
Rate this book
The Paradise Petition
In nineteenth-century Texas, two tough-minded women dare to challenge the status quo in a warm, witty, and adventurous historical romance by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle traded a colorful past for a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas, and their aim to spark a women’s rights movement is raising eyebrows among the town’s dumbfounded men. But among the ladies? Tired of being treated like possessions, they have two Amen, sister!
Beulah, a sassy shop owner as formidable as a cannon shot, is on board. So is Alma, a timid preacher’s wife who hit her breaking point. Before long, a courageous female posse has a liberating petition of demands. Surprisingly, they also have an empathetic ear in sheep rancher Matt Maguire, who’s as keen on women’s independence as he is on Lily.
As Daisy and Lily make waves in the small town, their secrets threaten to come out. But they haven’t traveled this far to let their past define them. In fact, with love and the forging of new lives on the line, they’ve never felt more defiant.
Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle traded a colorful past for a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas, and their aim to spark a women’s rights movement is raising eyebrows among the town’s dumbfounded men. But among the ladies? Tired of being treated like possessions, they have two Amen, sister!
Beulah, a sassy shop owner as formidable as a cannon shot, is on board. So is Alma, a timid preacher’s wife who hit her breaking point. Before long, a courageous female posse has a liberating petition of demands. Surprisingly, they also have an empathetic ear in sheep rancher Matt Maguire, who’s as keen on women’s independence as he is on Lily.
As Daisy and Lily make waves in the small town, their secrets threaten to come out. But they haven’t traveled this far to let their past define them. In fact, with love and the forging of new lives on the line, they’ve never felt more defiant.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
1209 people are currently reading
4249 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
183 books4,134 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
August 31, 2025
EXCERPT: On a hot late-June afternoon in 1883, when the sun was streaming heat down upon the town of Autrie, Texas, two women stepped off a train. A porter unloaded two trunks onto the platform at the side of the tracks and waved for the engineer to start moving. The wheels of the train generated enough motion to create tiny tornadoes of dirt, and Lily winced when the hot wind blew the dirt onto her dark skirt.
Almost as bewildered as she was the day she'd arrived in Spanish Fort with no money, she rolled the kinks out of her neck. Even though she now had money in her purse, and quite a lot more tucked away in the lining of her rolltop chest, the feeling was the same: absolutely bewildered and lost.
'I'm alone,' she blurted out, 'and there's no one in this town like Miz Raven to rescue us like she did,' and wished she could take the words back. After all, she was the one who was almost six feet tall, and supposedly had a temper to go with her red hair. She shouldn't be worrying Daisy at this point.
'No, but I'm with you,' Daisy said in a firm voice. 'We've got each other.'
Lily bent slightly and slipped an arm around Daisy's shoulders. Her smaller friend was like a lit stick of dynamite with a short fuse. 'Yes, we do. And we will remember what Miz Raven told us.'
'"Remember this is an adventure and a new start in life,"' Daisy quipped.
'That's right,' Lily agreed, and wished the words came from her heart as well as her mouth.
(This excerpt is taken from an Advanced Readers Copy uncorrected proof.)
ABOUT 'THE PARADISE PETITION': Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle traded a colorful past for a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas, and their aim to spark a women’s rights movement is raising eyebrows among the town’s dumbfounded men. But among the ladies? Tired of being treated like possessions, they have two words: Amen, sister!
Beulah, a sassy shop owner as formidable as a cannon shot, is on board. So is Alma, a timid preacher’s wife who hit her breaking point. Before long, a courageous female posse has a liberating petition of demands. Surprisingly, they also have an empathetic ear in sheep rancher Matt Maguire, who’s as keen on women’s independence as he is on Lily.
As Daisy and Lily make waves in the small town, their secrets threaten to come out. But they haven’t traveled this far to let their past define them. In fact, with love and the forging of new lives on the line, they’ve never felt more defiant.
MY THOUGHTS: The Paradise Petition is the heartwarming story of two women trying to make the most of the second chance at life they have been given.
Lily and Daisy haven't had easy lives. In fact, their lives have been downright hard, but they are determined to make a new start in Autrie, Texas, as respectable women and leading lights in the suffragette movement. They thought that they were far enough away from their pasts for it never to catch up with them, but just how far is far enough?
For two women trying to make new lives in a new town, they sure stir the pot from the get-go, motivating most of the townswomen to start demanding rights like being able to sit with their husbands and families in church instead of being segregated, and an end to spousal violence amongst other things.
Lily and Daisy are warm, strong and complex characters who I was rooting for all the way. They are feisty and determined not to back down.
There are more than a few surprises in The Paradise Petition, and it kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I combined reading with listening to The Paradise Petition written by Carolyn Brown and superbly narrated by Brittany Pressley. I enjoyed both formats equally.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheParadisePetition #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR - CAROLYN BROWN: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC, and Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, for providing an audiobook of The Paradise Petition written by Carolyn Brown and narrated by Brittany Pressley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The Paradise Petition was published in both formats July 15, 2025.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Almost as bewildered as she was the day she'd arrived in Spanish Fort with no money, she rolled the kinks out of her neck. Even though she now had money in her purse, and quite a lot more tucked away in the lining of her rolltop chest, the feeling was the same: absolutely bewildered and lost.
'I'm alone,' she blurted out, 'and there's no one in this town like Miz Raven to rescue us like she did,' and wished she could take the words back. After all, she was the one who was almost six feet tall, and supposedly had a temper to go with her red hair. She shouldn't be worrying Daisy at this point.
'No, but I'm with you,' Daisy said in a firm voice. 'We've got each other.'
Lily bent slightly and slipped an arm around Daisy's shoulders. Her smaller friend was like a lit stick of dynamite with a short fuse. 'Yes, we do. And we will remember what Miz Raven told us.'
'"Remember this is an adventure and a new start in life,"' Daisy quipped.
'That's right,' Lily agreed, and wished the words came from her heart as well as her mouth.
(This excerpt is taken from an Advanced Readers Copy uncorrected proof.)
ABOUT 'THE PARADISE PETITION': Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle traded a colorful past for a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas, and their aim to spark a women’s rights movement is raising eyebrows among the town’s dumbfounded men. But among the ladies? Tired of being treated like possessions, they have two words: Amen, sister!
Beulah, a sassy shop owner as formidable as a cannon shot, is on board. So is Alma, a timid preacher’s wife who hit her breaking point. Before long, a courageous female posse has a liberating petition of demands. Surprisingly, they also have an empathetic ear in sheep rancher Matt Maguire, who’s as keen on women’s independence as he is on Lily.
As Daisy and Lily make waves in the small town, their secrets threaten to come out. But they haven’t traveled this far to let their past define them. In fact, with love and the forging of new lives on the line, they’ve never felt more defiant.
MY THOUGHTS: The Paradise Petition is the heartwarming story of two women trying to make the most of the second chance at life they have been given.
Lily and Daisy haven't had easy lives. In fact, their lives have been downright hard, but they are determined to make a new start in Autrie, Texas, as respectable women and leading lights in the suffragette movement. They thought that they were far enough away from their pasts for it never to catch up with them, but just how far is far enough?
For two women trying to make new lives in a new town, they sure stir the pot from the get-go, motivating most of the townswomen to start demanding rights like being able to sit with their husbands and families in church instead of being segregated, and an end to spousal violence amongst other things.
Lily and Daisy are warm, strong and complex characters who I was rooting for all the way. They are feisty and determined not to back down.
There are more than a few surprises in The Paradise Petition, and it kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I combined reading with listening to The Paradise Petition written by Carolyn Brown and superbly narrated by Brittany Pressley. I enjoyed both formats equally.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheParadisePetition #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR - CAROLYN BROWN: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC, and Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, for providing an audiobook of The Paradise Petition written by Carolyn Brown and narrated by Brittany Pressley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The Paradise Petition was published in both formats July 15, 2025.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 15, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧
Carolyn Brown is a new to me author, and in The Paradise Petition she expertly swept me back in time to 1800’s Texas.
Daisy and Lily are seeking a new start, with some money in their pockets and a will in their heart they are looking to settle in a new place and open their own seamstress and millinery business, but in a time where women are frowned upon for drinking coffee or looked down upon as old maids for being unmarried in their early 20”s they are going to find it tough. It’s just as well then, that these two women are nobody’s fools, and with their business they also start a women’s rights movement.
Girl powers 1800’s style.
Short sweet, lots of great characters along the way, there really wasn’t anything not to love my only criticism was that at times it was a little repetitive and I felt like it could’ve been part of a series.
Lovely narration. I’m a sucker for a Texan accent!
My thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ELC 🎧
Carolyn Brown is a new to me author, and in The Paradise Petition she expertly swept me back in time to 1800’s Texas.
Daisy and Lily are seeking a new start, with some money in their pockets and a will in their heart they are looking to settle in a new place and open their own seamstress and millinery business, but in a time where women are frowned upon for drinking coffee or looked down upon as old maids for being unmarried in their early 20”s they are going to find it tough. It’s just as well then, that these two women are nobody’s fools, and with their business they also start a women’s rights movement.
Girl powers 1800’s style.
Short sweet, lots of great characters along the way, there really wasn’t anything not to love my only criticism was that at times it was a little repetitive and I felt like it could’ve been part of a series.
Lovely narration. I’m a sucker for a Texan accent!
My thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ELC 🎧
September 5, 2025
I love Carolyn Brown! Her books are a must-read for me.
Two women make a fresh start in a new town. Leaving their soiled pasts behind them, Daisy and Lily open a seamstress shop. Little did they know, they would meet like-minded women who wanted to fight for women's rights!
I loved all the characters and the storyline!
Two women make a fresh start in a new town. Leaving their soiled pasts behind them, Daisy and Lily open a seamstress shop. Little did they know, they would meet like-minded women who wanted to fight for women's rights!
I loved all the characters and the storyline!
July 3, 2025
This was a refreshing story of two women, Daisy and Lily who moved to a new town in Texas to get a fresh start in life. They opened a shop as seamstresses and made friends quickly. Their shop became the new meeting place for the women’s auxiliary meetings and Lily and Daisy along with cafe owner Beulah inspired their friends to fight for women’s rights. We all know about the women’s suffrage movement, but this story predated that organized movement. It was so interesting to hear demands from the different women in town when you knew the stories of these characters. Fighting for such simple things as sitting with their husbands in church, being able to go into town without a man escorting her, being able to wear pants and being able to teach after they were married. I enjoyed this book!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
August 30, 2025
After enjoying the Sisters in Paradise series, a contemporary romance series, I was tickled as could be when Carolyn Brown announced she was going to take things back to past and tell the stories of those earlier Paradise ladies. The Paradise Petition was my first historical from Carolyn Brown and I found it possessed all the writing goodness of the contemporaries and women’s fiction I’ve enjoyed over the years.
The Paradise Petition opens with two former shady ladies who are going respectable getting off the train in a small south Texas town where they plan to set up a seamstress shop. Daisy and Lily are forced to live a lie about their pasts, but they step out smartly when it comes to standing up for the cause of women. They not only want to see women get the vote, but all the daily shows of equality and respect as well. They get some blow back from the insufferable hotel manager, the local judge, a preacher and some other townsfolk, but find kindred spirits with the general store owner, Beulah, and a few other astonishing women who aren’t what they appear on the outside.
As the ladies work to settle in, adjust to the new life, and take up their first big acts for Women’s Rights, they also learn that attraction and romance with good men is possible if they can work through the fear of being rejected for their checkered past.
This was as much women’s fiction as romance if not more so as Daisy and Lily’s life in town and among the women with whom they take their stand takes the limelight with the gentle romances building slowly in the background. This worked well for me because they knew they were living a lie and had to come clean with Matt and Claude if they wanted anything lasting.
The conflict was good arising from both the men and women of the town drawing lines in the sand and the suspense of if/when Daisy and Lily’s pasts would come out and how they would get treated.
The Paradise Petition had a completeness when it finished and yet, I can’t help that the rest of the Paradise women and maybe a few others in the town and neighborhood will get their stories, too. Again, I recommend this to those who like a blend of women’s fic and sweet historical romance.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 9.18.25.
The Paradise Petition opens with two former shady ladies who are going respectable getting off the train in a small south Texas town where they plan to set up a seamstress shop. Daisy and Lily are forced to live a lie about their pasts, but they step out smartly when it comes to standing up for the cause of women. They not only want to see women get the vote, but all the daily shows of equality and respect as well. They get some blow back from the insufferable hotel manager, the local judge, a preacher and some other townsfolk, but find kindred spirits with the general store owner, Beulah, and a few other astonishing women who aren’t what they appear on the outside.
As the ladies work to settle in, adjust to the new life, and take up their first big acts for Women’s Rights, they also learn that attraction and romance with good men is possible if they can work through the fear of being rejected for their checkered past.
This was as much women’s fiction as romance if not more so as Daisy and Lily’s life in town and among the women with whom they take their stand takes the limelight with the gentle romances building slowly in the background. This worked well for me because they knew they were living a lie and had to come clean with Matt and Claude if they wanted anything lasting.
The conflict was good arising from both the men and women of the town drawing lines in the sand and the suspense of if/when Daisy and Lily’s pasts would come out and how they would get treated.
The Paradise Petition had a completeness when it finished and yet, I can’t help that the rest of the Paradise women and maybe a few others in the town and neighborhood will get their stories, too. Again, I recommend this to those who like a blend of women’s fic and sweet historical romance.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 9.18.25.
July 3, 2025
Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle are starting over in a new town. They formally worked at the Paradise and now are setting up in the new town as seamstresses. The new town is a fresh start for the two ladies. They meet Beulah, a sassy shop owner and Alma the timid preacher's wife.
As the two interested in women's rights and are working to start a women's rights movement in town and the men in town are not happy.
They meet Matt Macquire a sheep rancher who is interested in Lily. Can Lily tell Matt about her past and can the town except two ladies as seamstresses.
A wonderful story from Carolyn.
As the two interested in women's rights and are working to start a women's rights movement in town and the men in town are not happy.
They meet Matt Macquire a sheep rancher who is interested in Lily. Can Lily tell Matt about her past and can the town except two ladies as seamstresses.
A wonderful story from Carolyn.
March 6, 2025
My Thoughts
Going back to late 1800’s where two women named Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle set the small Texas town of Autrie on its proverbial ear.
Both Daisy and Lily are befriended by Beulah who is the only game in town for supplies and has a surprising proposition that leads all three to spearhead a much-needed shakeup for men and women alike.
Filled with humor and romance this is a story of women wanting things changed for the better going forward in their lives, changes they hope will make it easier for both themselves and their children in future years.
The fact that our two main characters came to Autrie to start over after living through things in their past that neither Daisy or Lily choose to disclose until later on an unexpected person from said past shows up and the truth comes out.
There is a great theme of women supporting women threaded throughout this story, themes of acceptance, friendship, generosity and the ability to judge current actions instead of past ones.
There are also themes of physical and verbal abuse, along with other trigger points throughout the book.
I felt the lack of closure at the end so hopefully this is the beginning of a new series because I really want to know more about how things go forward into the future for these characters.
[EArc from Netgalley]
September 30, 2025
Feminism. Hell yeah.
September 5, 2025
3.5 Stars
In 1883, Daisy and Lily, two unmarried women, arrive in a dusty, small Texas town with plans to reinvent their lives, work as seamstresses, and start a women’s rights movement. This creates quite a stir. In this story of second chances and new beginnings, Daisy and Lily refuse to let their pasts define them.
Daisy and Lily are strong-willed, feisty, and forward thinking. There are a few women in town who are eager to fight for their rights to sit with their husbands in church, teach after they marry, go into town without a man to escort them, and the freedom to wear pants.
The story is entertaining, unwavering in its feminist themes, and includes a small side of romance.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Thanks #NetGalley @SourceBooksCasa #Montlake for complimentary eARCs of #MeetMeInTheOrchard and #TheParadisePetition upon my request. All opinions are my own.
In 1883, Daisy and Lily, two unmarried women, arrive in a dusty, small Texas town with plans to reinvent their lives, work as seamstresses, and start a women’s rights movement. This creates quite a stir. In this story of second chances and new beginnings, Daisy and Lily refuse to let their pasts define them.
Daisy and Lily are strong-willed, feisty, and forward thinking. There are a few women in town who are eager to fight for their rights to sit with their husbands in church, teach after they marry, go into town without a man to escort them, and the freedom to wear pants.
The story is entertaining, unwavering in its feminist themes, and includes a small side of romance.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Thanks #NetGalley @SourceBooksCasa #Montlake for complimentary eARCs of #MeetMeInTheOrchard and #TheParadisePetition upon my request. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2025
Those bold ladies of Paradise can really stir things up
They made lives for themselves after being dealt bad hands in marriage and life in general. The words of Mrs. Brown's book made you want to take up the cause and march down main street with Lily, Daisy, Beulah, and all the other brave & worn down ladies of Autrie! A history lesson included too. I love Mrs. Brown's books, you feel like you are there in person on every page.
They made lives for themselves after being dealt bad hands in marriage and life in general. The words of Mrs. Brown's book made you want to take up the cause and march down main street with Lily, Daisy, Beulah, and all the other brave & worn down ladies of Autrie! A history lesson included too. I love Mrs. Brown's books, you feel like you are there in person on every page.
August 3, 2025
I don't usually read historical romance, but I can't pass up a Carolyn Brown book. This was a story of two of the brothel ladies after the brothel closed. It tells a story of women fighting for women's rights. I hope there will be stories of the other five ladies from the Paradise.
July 28, 2025
DNF. too simple and couldn't get into the repetitiveness of it.
October 12, 2025
Publishing date: 15.07.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
Feminist, entertaining, and lots of proving your worth. With a little dash of romance on the side. Giving this 3 stars, did the job.
Quickfire likes and gripes //
Feminist
Surprise romance that doesn’t take away from the center theme
Nice vibes, and nice pace
Lacked depth
Characters were built on a certain personality, and that’s really all they were
Romance lacked spark and proper build-up
Characters //
For this story I had no real favorite characters. Our main characters, Daisy and Lily, were both good characters. I rooted for them, but I won’t say they were my favorite. Their romantic interests were fine but lacked some flesh. I think the closest would be Beulah, she had that “auntie to the rescue” energy that I adored reading about. Otherwise a lot of the town feels like antagonists (yes I mean all of them), so they are nowhere near close to the top. Some of the women in the background got some great character development.
Pacing //
Pacing is fine. It has highs, lows, but no real drags. Everything that happens is to propel the story forward.
Plot //
This story is very feminist (obviously) and as such centers heavily on the subject. You get to hear both sides, against and for. Otherwise we have the plot of the two main characters wanting to set up a new life in a new town with their own textile/seamstress shop. A little dash of romance to go, and we have the story summarized without the different obstacles. The obstacles feel both very high stakes, but usually end up getting resolved rather easily. I wish there was more struggle.
How it was to read //
This was an easy and engaging read. The way it was written let me stride through the pages at a high pace. Lots of dialogue, lots of situations where things can go wrong, and situations where things go wrong. If you want a palate-cleanser in historical fiction form, this would do the job well.
Audience //
I think this would fit well for any fan of historical novels that don’t go too deep. It is a light and quick read, so maybe even for those who wish to dip their toes into the genre. Not quite young adult, but not exactly adult either. I would say it goes in between these two.
Final Verdict //
This book set out to tell a feminist story, it did the job. I would love to love it, but it just didn’t stick with me like I wanted it to. Nothing properly wrong, just not that impactful. Still, I would recommend it to newbies of the genre. Giving this 3 stars, just fine.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
Feminist, entertaining, and lots of proving your worth. With a little dash of romance on the side. Giving this 3 stars, did the job.
Quickfire likes and gripes //
Feminist
Surprise romance that doesn’t take away from the center theme
Nice vibes, and nice pace
Lacked depth
Characters were built on a certain personality, and that’s really all they were
Romance lacked spark and proper build-up
Characters //
For this story I had no real favorite characters. Our main characters, Daisy and Lily, were both good characters. I rooted for them, but I won’t say they were my favorite. Their romantic interests were fine but lacked some flesh. I think the closest would be Beulah, she had that “auntie to the rescue” energy that I adored reading about. Otherwise a lot of the town feels like antagonists (yes I mean all of them), so they are nowhere near close to the top. Some of the women in the background got some great character development.
Pacing //
Pacing is fine. It has highs, lows, but no real drags. Everything that happens is to propel the story forward.
Plot //
This story is very feminist (obviously) and as such centers heavily on the subject. You get to hear both sides, against and for. Otherwise we have the plot of the two main characters wanting to set up a new life in a new town with their own textile/seamstress shop. A little dash of romance to go, and we have the story summarized without the different obstacles. The obstacles feel both very high stakes, but usually end up getting resolved rather easily. I wish there was more struggle.
How it was to read //
This was an easy and engaging read. The way it was written let me stride through the pages at a high pace. Lots of dialogue, lots of situations where things can go wrong, and situations where things go wrong. If you want a palate-cleanser in historical fiction form, this would do the job well.
Audience //
I think this would fit well for any fan of historical novels that don’t go too deep. It is a light and quick read, so maybe even for those who wish to dip their toes into the genre. Not quite young adult, but not exactly adult either. I would say it goes in between these two.
Final Verdict //
This book set out to tell a feminist story, it did the job. I would love to love it, but it just didn’t stick with me like I wanted it to. Nothing properly wrong, just not that impactful. Still, I would recommend it to newbies of the genre. Giving this 3 stars, just fine.
June 28, 2025
The Paradise Petition AUDIO and ebook by Carolyn Brown. Brown’s last three or four books have been about sisters living in a huge house in Texas called The Paradise. Many years earlier it had been a brothel. Now Brown is digging into one hundred fifty years earlier to some of the woman who had lived and worked in The Paradise. Miss Raven has closed The Paradise and sent her girls to various towns around Texas while she returns to England to work with her sister for women’s rights. Lily and Daisy have wound up in Autrie, and the first person they meet is a preacher so filled with self-loathing that he abuses his wife and daughters and sets about disparaging them to the entire town.. The only building available for their dressmaking business happens to belong to him. Fortunately Daisy recognizes a man, who has become a judge, who was once a client. She uses her influence to convince him to buy the building and rent it to them. Things go well for a few days as they meet Beulah and several other women in town and get things going. Then, as Lily, Daisy, and Beulah begin to introduce the women to the fact they have power, things go down hill quickly as a drunk calls them out for their previous profession.
Even with all the women behind them, Daisy and Lily are forced to leave when the judge evicts them. It turns out all right when they find a new home and new happiness. This is a touching story of women who are forced to earn a living the only way men allow them to. It is a time of great change as women work for the vote as well as legislation that makes them less of a piece of property and more of a human being. Not all men are alike, though, and both women find happiness with men that have been raised to respect and value women. It is a simple story, mostly accurate, of some of these women, from all tracks in life. The characters are amusing, the situation is compelling, and they have found themselves surrounded by more good than bad. It was a fitting story to follow the stories of the modern women loving in The Paradise.
The narrator is Brittany Pressley who does a creditable job with both the male and female characters. She uses accents subtly and is a positive voice throughout. It is a tossup which is the better medium: audio or visual.
I was invited to both read and listen to The Paradise Petition by Montlake and Brilliance Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Montlake #Brilliance #BrittanyPressley #CarolynBrown #TheParadisePetition
Even with all the women behind them, Daisy and Lily are forced to leave when the judge evicts them. It turns out all right when they find a new home and new happiness. This is a touching story of women who are forced to earn a living the only way men allow them to. It is a time of great change as women work for the vote as well as legislation that makes them less of a piece of property and more of a human being. Not all men are alike, though, and both women find happiness with men that have been raised to respect and value women. It is a simple story, mostly accurate, of some of these women, from all tracks in life. The characters are amusing, the situation is compelling, and they have found themselves surrounded by more good than bad. It was a fitting story to follow the stories of the modern women loving in The Paradise.
The narrator is Brittany Pressley who does a creditable job with both the male and female characters. She uses accents subtly and is a positive voice throughout. It is a tossup which is the better medium: audio or visual.
I was invited to both read and listen to The Paradise Petition by Montlake and Brilliance Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Montlake #Brilliance #BrittanyPressley #CarolynBrown #TheParadisePetition
September 4, 2025
This was my first historical novel by Carolyn Brown. I am a huge fan of her contemporary stories, and this historical did not disappoint. I believe this is linked to the author's Sisters in Paradise series and upcoming The Paradise series.
Lily and Daisy formerly worked at The Paradise, a brothel in Spanish Fort, Texas. With the closing of the brothel, they pack up and move to Autrie, Texas, determined to start new lives as seamstresses, far from their old life. In addition to starting their business, they also plan to start their own women's rights movement. One of the first people they meet is Buelah, owner of the only general store. Outspoken as they come, Buelah is entirely on board with their plans.
I loved watching Lily and Daisy jump right into their plans. They don't back down when faced with the disapproval of some of the men. It isn't long before they're holding Women's Auxiliary meetings in their shop, and encouraging other women to stand up for themselves. When the men show no sign of changing their ways, the ladies go on strike. I loved watching them band together and support each other. The scenes of their efforts were fantastic. I loved the part with the rattlesnakes. I cheered for the part where the "shady ladies" from the saloon joined the movement, and loved how they were accepted into the group.
It was fun to see them assemble their list of demands and the reactions it received from the men in the town. I felt the reactions were realistic, and I enjoyed seeing the effects. It wasn't perfect, and things got complicated when Lily and Daisy's past came out. I loved the support they received and the solution to their problem. The concurrent stories of some of the other women added more depth to the characters and provided a variety of outcomes to their efforts.
There is also a little bit of romance in store for our intrepid suffragists. Neither Lily nor Daisy had plans for relationships. Past betrayals left them with trust issues. But local sheep farmers Matt and Claude Maguire had different ideas. From the moment he met her, Matt's admiration and respect for Lily were evident. Lily was wary, but couldn't deny her growing feelings for him. She worried about his reaction when she finally got around to telling him about her past. Claude was equally impressed with Daisy, and I loved how easily they connected. An unexpected revelation cleared the way for the futures Lily and Daisy had only dreamed of.
I'd love to see stories for the new arrivals and some of the secondary characters.
Lily and Daisy formerly worked at The Paradise, a brothel in Spanish Fort, Texas. With the closing of the brothel, they pack up and move to Autrie, Texas, determined to start new lives as seamstresses, far from their old life. In addition to starting their business, they also plan to start their own women's rights movement. One of the first people they meet is Buelah, owner of the only general store. Outspoken as they come, Buelah is entirely on board with their plans.
I loved watching Lily and Daisy jump right into their plans. They don't back down when faced with the disapproval of some of the men. It isn't long before they're holding Women's Auxiliary meetings in their shop, and encouraging other women to stand up for themselves. When the men show no sign of changing their ways, the ladies go on strike. I loved watching them band together and support each other. The scenes of their efforts were fantastic. I loved the part with the rattlesnakes. I cheered for the part where the "shady ladies" from the saloon joined the movement, and loved how they were accepted into the group.
It was fun to see them assemble their list of demands and the reactions it received from the men in the town. I felt the reactions were realistic, and I enjoyed seeing the effects. It wasn't perfect, and things got complicated when Lily and Daisy's past came out. I loved the support they received and the solution to their problem. The concurrent stories of some of the other women added more depth to the characters and provided a variety of outcomes to their efforts.
There is also a little bit of romance in store for our intrepid suffragists. Neither Lily nor Daisy had plans for relationships. Past betrayals left them with trust issues. But local sheep farmers Matt and Claude Maguire had different ideas. From the moment he met her, Matt's admiration and respect for Lily were evident. Lily was wary, but couldn't deny her growing feelings for him. She worried about his reaction when she finally got around to telling him about her past. Claude was equally impressed with Daisy, and I loved how easily they connected. An unexpected revelation cleared the way for the futures Lily and Daisy had only dreamed of.
I'd love to see stories for the new arrivals and some of the secondary characters.
July 15, 2025
The Paradise Petition is a work of historical fiction by Carolyn Brown. Perhaps it is meant to be a sort of origin story for her current day Paradise books series, perhaps just a great story of the brave women who fought for independence, freedom, and personal rights for women in Texas in the late 19th century. And perhaps it is part cautionary tale reflecting current happenings. Regardless of intent, this is a very good story of courageous women willing to take a stand.
With Miz Raven closing up the Paradise and moving back to England, she has sent her ladies to various locations more southerly in Texas to begin women’s organizations to push for certain freedoms, including the right to vote. Daisy Lindberg, née Ethel Kate Lindberg, and Lily Boyle, née Abigail Carolina Boyle, had come to the Paradise as a result of the patriarchal system. Daisy was a young widow who wasn’t allowed to inherit her husband’s estate by law in Texas and therefore had nothing. Lily, after having been sexually assaulted by her then fiancé and not protected by her family, found herself at the mercy of MizRaven as well. And Miz Raven was merciful. She took good care of her ladies. But now, with their savings and belongings in tow, they are off to set up a respectable seamstress business in Autrie.
Upon arrival in Autrie the ladies make the acquaintance of Matt Maguire who transports them by wagon to the respectable hotel. Matt is a very open minded fellow from a particularly open sheep ranching family outside of town. He and his cousin Claude are the new heads of the ranch with their uncle Elijah having moved to Autrie to set up and manage the wagon yard.
Unfortunately, for the most part the town’s people aren’t so welcoming to two women traveling without male escort. With a bit of slight of hand and hinted at blackmail of judge Wesley Martin, who had been a regular for Daisy at the Paradise, they were initially able to rent a business, make the acquaintance of several lively townsfolk like Beulah, owner of the general store, and ultimately disrupt the lives of the townsfolk as well as those on the sheep ranch.
This was such a good story. Although a bit slow to begin, the pace quickly sped up and even a story this long and involved seemed to go by in a flash. These characters are richly drawn. The times and setting are so well described it’s almost like being there. The plot line is timeless, then and now. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
With Miz Raven closing up the Paradise and moving back to England, she has sent her ladies to various locations more southerly in Texas to begin women’s organizations to push for certain freedoms, including the right to vote. Daisy Lindberg, née Ethel Kate Lindberg, and Lily Boyle, née Abigail Carolina Boyle, had come to the Paradise as a result of the patriarchal system. Daisy was a young widow who wasn’t allowed to inherit her husband’s estate by law in Texas and therefore had nothing. Lily, after having been sexually assaulted by her then fiancé and not protected by her family, found herself at the mercy of MizRaven as well. And Miz Raven was merciful. She took good care of her ladies. But now, with their savings and belongings in tow, they are off to set up a respectable seamstress business in Autrie.
Upon arrival in Autrie the ladies make the acquaintance of Matt Maguire who transports them by wagon to the respectable hotel. Matt is a very open minded fellow from a particularly open sheep ranching family outside of town. He and his cousin Claude are the new heads of the ranch with their uncle Elijah having moved to Autrie to set up and manage the wagon yard.
Unfortunately, for the most part the town’s people aren’t so welcoming to two women traveling without male escort. With a bit of slight of hand and hinted at blackmail of judge Wesley Martin, who had been a regular for Daisy at the Paradise, they were initially able to rent a business, make the acquaintance of several lively townsfolk like Beulah, owner of the general store, and ultimately disrupt the lives of the townsfolk as well as those on the sheep ranch.
This was such a good story. Although a bit slow to begin, the pace quickly sped up and even a story this long and involved seemed to go by in a flash. These characters are richly drawn. The times and setting are so well described it’s almost like being there. The plot line is timeless, then and now. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
July 28, 2025
Western historical romance with a women's rights spin. I occasionally enjoy picking up a western for something wildly different from the contemporary and fantasy that I typically read. The story follows two women who previously worked in a brothel and are making a new life for themselves in a new town. A big part of this new life is supporting women's rights. The women aren't afraid to back down and certainly make a splash in a traditional western town. The story included the journey of turning your life around, fighting limited rights with a community of women and a little side plot of romance.
What I liked: One of my favorite parts about a western historical romance is reading about women making a new life for themselves, setting up a home and means to live. I did enjoy a good bit of that here. I also appreciate that the women's rights spin on the story made it very different from any western I've read before.
Things to note: There were a number of times where someone's motivations didn't quite make sense. There were also some conflicting points of view that had me puzzled over what exactly the author was trying to say. Some characters would make decisions or say things and it felt like a big jump from what I imagined they would be thinking. I felt opinions on religion and sex work were also pretty conflicting. I received this book from NetGalley to read and review and I'm glad I read it. It was a unique read and quite different from my norm.
Rating: 3.5
Content Warning: references and short descriptions of abuse and no consent, cussing a few times
Recommend: Yes, for those who want to read a new spin on western
Want a trip to the Wild West without feeling like you're trapped in a world with no female rights? Saddle up, and enjoy!
What I liked: One of my favorite parts about a western historical romance is reading about women making a new life for themselves, setting up a home and means to live. I did enjoy a good bit of that here. I also appreciate that the women's rights spin on the story made it very different from any western I've read before.
Things to note: There were a number of times where someone's motivations didn't quite make sense. There were also some conflicting points of view that had me puzzled over what exactly the author was trying to say. Some characters would make decisions or say things and it felt like a big jump from what I imagined they would be thinking. I felt opinions on religion and sex work were also pretty conflicting. I received this book from NetGalley to read and review and I'm glad I read it. It was a unique read and quite different from my norm.
Rating: 3.5
Content Warning: references and short descriptions of abuse and no consent, cussing a few times
Recommend: Yes, for those who want to read a new spin on western
Want a trip to the Wild West without feeling like you're trapped in a world with no female rights? Saddle up, and enjoy!
October 18, 2025
In 1883 women didn’t have the same rights as men. In the town of Autrie, TX, that’s about to change because two women from the Paradise have come to town looking for a new life. The townspeople don’t know their backgrounds, but they don’t take kindly to outsiders regardless. Daisy and Lily are determined to open up a seamstress shop in town even if they meet strong opposition. Will they be able to make a go of it in Autrie or will they have to move on and find a new place to start over?
The ladies from The Paradise are starting over and finding resistance. Miz Raven may have been running a brothel out of the Paradise but she taught all of her girls life and business skills so they could have productive lives when they left. Daisy and Lily go to the town of Autrie with a bit of trepidation. If anyone discovers their backgrounds, they will be shunned by the town. Many in town don’t want two single young women running a shop in town. They manage to rent a storefront but it isn’t long before trouble comes calling. The women of the town have a decision to make, allow Daisy and Lily to be run out of town or stand with them to force change in the town. You can probably guess which one they choose. I am not going to give away the details because it is a well done old-fashioned western with a modern twist.
This story can be read as a standalone novel but I have read all of the other books that involve the Paradise, and I loved that this book goes back in time to answer the questions “what happened to the women who worked at the brothel after it closed”. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The good guys are really good and the bad guys are the stereotypical “do as I say not as I do types”. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
The ladies from The Paradise are starting over and finding resistance. Miz Raven may have been running a brothel out of the Paradise but she taught all of her girls life and business skills so they could have productive lives when they left. Daisy and Lily go to the town of Autrie with a bit of trepidation. If anyone discovers their backgrounds, they will be shunned by the town. Many in town don’t want two single young women running a shop in town. They manage to rent a storefront but it isn’t long before trouble comes calling. The women of the town have a decision to make, allow Daisy and Lily to be run out of town or stand with them to force change in the town. You can probably guess which one they choose. I am not going to give away the details because it is a well done old-fashioned western with a modern twist.
This story can be read as a standalone novel but I have read all of the other books that involve the Paradise, and I loved that this book goes back in time to answer the questions “what happened to the women who worked at the brothel after it closed”. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The good guys are really good and the bad guys are the stereotypical “do as I say not as I do types”. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
April 20, 2025
This is where it all began for The Paradise...
Two women who in the early 1800's travel all alone to a small Texas town to start life anew and where they hope their colourful pasts will not come to light. They want to open up a shop for their seamstress business and where they start the women's rights movement in the small Texas town of Autrie. And they sure stir up more than the town was ready for. They meet some fascinating women, Beulah who owns her own shop, she is smart and sassy and is all for the right of women. The lovely but timid preacher's wife, Alma, and her two sweet girls, who's oppressed life under her tyrannical preacher husband is reaching the point of no return. These women along with a host of other women, go on a strike for their rights and the some of the men in town are not having it... Well with the exception of the two Maguire men, who take a fancy to Daisy and Lily. But these two women hope they can have their new life, fall in love and have the life they have always wanted.
I loved this book. It shows that even when the world drags you down, you pull yourself up from what ever situation you are in and start anew. Carolyn Brown once again gives us strong female's who can have it all. Love, family and independence. No matter what the era, her books tell a story that will have you turning the pages of a wonderful book. She gives us quirky and fun loving character will will come to love and want to sit with over a beverage and talk about our lives and loves. So many wonderful hours of reading pleasure have her books given me.
I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this book for my honest review, which I have given freely.
Two women who in the early 1800's travel all alone to a small Texas town to start life anew and where they hope their colourful pasts will not come to light. They want to open up a shop for their seamstress business and where they start the women's rights movement in the small Texas town of Autrie. And they sure stir up more than the town was ready for. They meet some fascinating women, Beulah who owns her own shop, she is smart and sassy and is all for the right of women. The lovely but timid preacher's wife, Alma, and her two sweet girls, who's oppressed life under her tyrannical preacher husband is reaching the point of no return. These women along with a host of other women, go on a strike for their rights and the some of the men in town are not having it... Well with the exception of the two Maguire men, who take a fancy to Daisy and Lily. But these two women hope they can have their new life, fall in love and have the life they have always wanted.
I loved this book. It shows that even when the world drags you down, you pull yourself up from what ever situation you are in and start anew. Carolyn Brown once again gives us strong female's who can have it all. Love, family and independence. No matter what the era, her books tell a story that will have you turning the pages of a wonderful book. She gives us quirky and fun loving character will will come to love and want to sit with over a beverage and talk about our lives and loves. So many wonderful hours of reading pleasure have her books given me.
I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this book for my honest review, which I have given freely.
June 28, 2025
In The Paradise Petition, Daisy and Lily roll into Autrie, Texas, with hopes of leaving their pasts behind and starting fresh. What they find instead is a calling. With the help of a fiery shop owner, a quietly brave preacher’s wife, and an unexpected sisterhood of women from both the church and the town brothel, they set out to launch a women’s rights movement that shakes the town to its core. As secrets threaten to surface and emotions rise, the women stand united, refusing to be silenced or sidelined ever again.
This story stole my heart. It’s full of grit, hope, and the kind of strength that makes you want to cheer out loud. Set in 1883, Daisy and Lily fight to create a new life for themselves in a world that expects women to stay small. But these women dream bigger. They band together, lift each other up, and remind us what’s possible when women support women. It was impossible to put this book down. I finished the audiobook in record time and honestly wanted to hit play all over again.
Brittany Pressley’s narration is perfection. She captures each character with so much emotion, especially the strength and vulnerability that make these women unforgettable. Five stars for her performance. And a glowing four stars for the story itself, which would make an incredible book club pick. There’s so much to unpack here; friendship, freedom, love, resilience, and what it truly means to claim your place in the world. I was given an advance copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This story stole my heart. It’s full of grit, hope, and the kind of strength that makes you want to cheer out loud. Set in 1883, Daisy and Lily fight to create a new life for themselves in a world that expects women to stay small. But these women dream bigger. They band together, lift each other up, and remind us what’s possible when women support women. It was impossible to put this book down. I finished the audiobook in record time and honestly wanted to hit play all over again.
Brittany Pressley’s narration is perfection. She captures each character with so much emotion, especially the strength and vulnerability that make these women unforgettable. Five stars for her performance. And a glowing four stars for the story itself, which would make an incredible book club pick. There’s so much to unpack here; friendship, freedom, love, resilience, and what it truly means to claim your place in the world. I was given an advance copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2025
Set in the 1800's, this is the story of Lily and Daisy, two former ladies from the upscale Paradise brothel. After the madam of the brothel closes her business to join suffragists back in England, the ladies in her employ all head out to different parts of Texas to try start anew. Hoping to open a seamstress shop in Autrie, 'cousins' Lily and Daisy befriend the ladies of Autrie and become part of the women's rights movements in Texas. But when their new lives are threatened by someone who knew them in their former lives, Lily and Daisy learn just how strong they really are.
I really enjoy historical romance novels, but this one missed the mark for me somewhat. There wasn't a lot of character development with any of the characters. They were all pretty one-dimensional to me and I found it hard to sympathize with them as I was intended to. The story also wraps up very neatly, in such a way that it doesn't really seem believable. I really wanted to like it, but it just didn't resonate with me.
I listened to the audiobook of this novel, and the narrator does a southern drawl that at times got a bit tedious to listen to, but those who love period romances will probably enjoy. The narration and pacing of the audiobook is really well done, it's just the accent used that became a bit much for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Carolyn Brown for an eARC of this novel to review.
I really enjoy historical romance novels, but this one missed the mark for me somewhat. There wasn't a lot of character development with any of the characters. They were all pretty one-dimensional to me and I found it hard to sympathize with them as I was intended to. The story also wraps up very neatly, in such a way that it doesn't really seem believable. I really wanted to like it, but it just didn't resonate with me.
I listened to the audiobook of this novel, and the narrator does a southern drawl that at times got a bit tedious to listen to, but those who love period romances will probably enjoy. The narration and pacing of the audiobook is really well done, it's just the accent used that became a bit much for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Carolyn Brown for an eARC of this novel to review.
July 20, 2025
This was my first time reading Carolyn Brown’s work, and it was an enjoyable read. The plot was very intriguing and what initially drew me to this book. Daisy and Lily are former prostitutes from an upscale brothel who venture out to find new beginnings in Autrie, Texas as seamstresses. I loved their determination and spunky attitudes, and I rooted them on throughout the entire book. Most of this story deals with women’s rights during the post Civil War era - or lack thereof - and it was fun reading the antics Daisy, Lily, and the women of Autrie get into in their quest to be treated as equals. Beulah, a secondary character, was my favorite, with her sharp tongue and fiery spirit. The ending was a tad bit disappointing, especially after everything Daisy and Lily went through to make their home in Autrie and to help liberate themselves and the other women. (Trying not to give away any spoilers here). I also wished the epilogue had been fleshed out with more details about what happened to the women. Did Daisy and Lily ever have children? Did Beulah find love again? Did Wesley get thrown into an abandoned well and succumb to the horrible ending he deserved? These are just a few of the unanswered questions I have, but overall The Paradise Petition was a fun read, and I would gladly recommend it to everyone.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).
June 28, 2025
The Paradise Petition is exactly what I hoped it would be—bold, heartfelt, and full of the kind of female firepower that makes historical fiction sing. Carolyn Brown delivers a witty, warm, and empowering story set in 19th-century Texas, where two strong-willed women, Daisy and Lily, trade their colorful pasts for a fresh start and a fearless fight for women’s rights.
From the moment they set foot in Autrie, Texas, I was rooting for them. The dynamic between Daisy, Lily, and the other women—especially the fierce Beulah and quietly powerful Alma—felt authentic and inspiring. The story balances humor and heart with a dash of small-town drama and a side of romance thanks to the surprisingly progressive sheep rancher, Matt Maguire.
Brown does an incredible job showing how personal courage can spark real change, all while weaving in secrets, second chances, and just enough tension to keep the pages turning. The only reason this isn’t a full five stars for me is that I wanted just a touch more depth in some of the secondary characters’ arcs. But that’s a small quibble in an otherwise empowering and engaging read.
If you love stories about found family, female strength, and reclaiming your voice—The Paradise Petition is a must-read.
From the moment they set foot in Autrie, Texas, I was rooting for them. The dynamic between Daisy, Lily, and the other women—especially the fierce Beulah and quietly powerful Alma—felt authentic and inspiring. The story balances humor and heart with a dash of small-town drama and a side of romance thanks to the surprisingly progressive sheep rancher, Matt Maguire.
Brown does an incredible job showing how personal courage can spark real change, all while weaving in secrets, second chances, and just enough tension to keep the pages turning. The only reason this isn’t a full five stars for me is that I wanted just a touch more depth in some of the secondary characters’ arcs. But that’s a small quibble in an otherwise empowering and engaging read.
If you love stories about found family, female strength, and reclaiming your voice—The Paradise Petition is a must-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
I enjoyed the Sisters in Paradise series by Carolyn Brown which focussed on a family that lived in Paradise, Texas. Where they lived was once a brothel. Seemingly at the urging of her fans Brown writes her first historical novel in almost twenty years. The year is 1883 and two women, Daisy and Lily, get off a train in Autrie, TX. They are claiming to be cousins and are hoping to open a seamstress shop. The pair worked at the brothel in Paradise. They and others who worked there have been sent out into Texas hoping to not be recognized and live respectable lives.
Lily and Daisy, make new friends in their small town including beaus for both of them. But things don’t run smoothly as they support the women’s rights movement. And they have an enemy in the shape of the town pastor.
I thought this was very fun. You don’t have to have read the Paradise series as this predates those stories. I assume there will be more books to come featuring some of the other brothel workers who took off to other towns. I liked that there were good and helpful men. And of course the friendship and support between Lily and Daisy is lovely as well. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Lily and Daisy, make new friends in their small town including beaus for both of them. But things don’t run smoothly as they support the women’s rights movement. And they have an enemy in the shape of the town pastor.
I thought this was very fun. You don’t have to have read the Paradise series as this predates those stories. I assume there will be more books to come featuring some of the other brothel workers who took off to other towns. I liked that there were good and helpful men. And of course the friendship and support between Lily and Daisy is lovely as well. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
July 11, 2025
I wanted to love this, but I didn't. I'm a sucker for historical westerns, but this was a miss for me.
Lily and Daisy come to town to open a seamstress shop after the brothel they worked in closed. Ready for a new start, they keep their past a secret. They are staunch supporters of women's rights and they meet a few likeminded women. They band together to try and improve their lives.
This was just too syrupy-sweet for me. Everything works out perfectly all the time. The overall theme alone (women's rights in the 19th century) demands angst and conflict. But there was virtually none. (There was, but it was so off page and not a factor).
This is tagged as romance- it is not. Both Lily and Daisy meet a man and end up with them, but there is absolutely no development. The men help them move a bazillion times. They each have one conversation about their past. That is it.
Oh, and if I had to hear about how scandalous drinking coffee was one more time, I likely would have ran over my phone a dozen times to make it stop.
Brittany Pressley narrates. I enjoy her work, but she was not right for this one. She is too bubbly for a 19th century story about women's rights.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lily and Daisy come to town to open a seamstress shop after the brothel they worked in closed. Ready for a new start, they keep their past a secret. They are staunch supporters of women's rights and they meet a few likeminded women. They band together to try and improve their lives.
This was just too syrupy-sweet for me. Everything works out perfectly all the time. The overall theme alone (women's rights in the 19th century) demands angst and conflict. But there was virtually none. (There was, but it was so off page and not a factor).
This is tagged as romance- it is not. Both Lily and Daisy meet a man and end up with them, but there is absolutely no development. The men help them move a bazillion times. They each have one conversation about their past. That is it.
Oh, and if I had to hear about how scandalous drinking coffee was one more time, I likely would have ran over my phone a dozen times to make it stop.
Brittany Pressley narrates. I enjoy her work, but she was not right for this one. She is too bubbly for a 19th century story about women's rights.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2025
I really wanted to like this book more but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. It’s about two women in the 1800s, who after leaving a life of working in an upscale bordello, end up in a small town in Texas with plans to open a seamstress shop. While there, they get involved in the women’s rights movement and fall in love with cousins who own a sheep farm on the outskirts of town.
The idea of this book was a good one, but I found the characters very one dimensional. There were good guys and bad guys and they didn’t grow or change throughout the novel. And I actually found the way the women’s movement was portrayed to be quite problematic. At one point a woman told a story about how she got her husband to stop beating her by hitting him back. This is used as an example of how if they will just stand up for themselves, their husbands will start respecting them. Everything wrapped up so perfectly in the end and it just didn’t feel real in any way. I love a happily ever after, but this one was just way too perfect.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. It releases on July 25, 2025.
The idea of this book was a good one, but I found the characters very one dimensional. There were good guys and bad guys and they didn’t grow or change throughout the novel. And I actually found the way the women’s movement was portrayed to be quite problematic. At one point a woman told a story about how she got her husband to stop beating her by hitting him back. This is used as an example of how if they will just stand up for themselves, their husbands will start respecting them. Everything wrapped up so perfectly in the end and it just didn’t feel real in any way. I love a happily ever after, but this one was just way too perfect.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. It releases on July 25, 2025.
May 10, 2025
A strong female empowering story set in the late nineteenth century of women putting their foot down over in a male dominated society to prove they are of equal worth. Readers who are familiar with the novel Redeeming Love and the film Women Talking will find themselves in awe with this empowering tale.
Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle are two friends who have been unlucky with life and with men. They move to the down of Audrie Texas in order to start a new life by opening a dress shop. However with the move comes the male community elders who say that the only lot for women is marriage.
After witnessing the mistreatment of several of women by the men in their town Daisy and Lily team up with their new friend Beulah to start a movement for the women to prove that they are just as worthy as the men. However, when gathering followers some of the church ladies look down on saloon girls joining. However, after a speech about everyone being equal they put aisde their differences in order to better themselves and their community.
Overall this novel was indeed a pleasure to read.
I received this novel as an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle are two friends who have been unlucky with life and with men. They move to the down of Audrie Texas in order to start a new life by opening a dress shop. However with the move comes the male community elders who say that the only lot for women is marriage.
After witnessing the mistreatment of several of women by the men in their town Daisy and Lily team up with their new friend Beulah to start a movement for the women to prove that they are just as worthy as the men. However, when gathering followers some of the church ladies look down on saloon girls joining. However, after a speech about everyone being equal they put aisde their differences in order to better themselves and their community.
Overall this novel was indeed a pleasure to read.
I received this novel as an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
July 26, 2025
The Paradise Petition
by Carolyn Brown
Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle have confidently left behind a vibrant past to embark on a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas. Set in the 1800s, this compelling story follows Lily and Daisy, two former ladies from the upscale Paradise brothel. The new town signifies their opportunity for renewal. Here, they encounter Beulah, a dynamic shop owner, and Alma, the reserved preacher's wife.
This story is infused with humour and romance, highlighting the unyielding determination of these women to bring about meaningful change in their lives—changes they are passionate about for themselves and for all women. Carolyn Brown delivers an unforgettable historical romance. What resonates most in this book is the powerful sense of community and the unwavering support the women offer each other during an era with limited rights and choices. This inspiring book, set in the late nineteenth century, showcases women standing their ground in a male-dominated society, proving their worth and demanding equal recognition.
I hope we will get more books about the other women of the Paradise brothel in the future.
by Carolyn Brown
Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle have confidently left behind a vibrant past to embark on a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas. Set in the 1800s, this compelling story follows Lily and Daisy, two former ladies from the upscale Paradise brothel. The new town signifies their opportunity for renewal. Here, they encounter Beulah, a dynamic shop owner, and Alma, the reserved preacher's wife.
This story is infused with humour and romance, highlighting the unyielding determination of these women to bring about meaningful change in their lives—changes they are passionate about for themselves and for all women. Carolyn Brown delivers an unforgettable historical romance. What resonates most in this book is the powerful sense of community and the unwavering support the women offer each other during an era with limited rights and choices. This inspiring book, set in the late nineteenth century, showcases women standing their ground in a male-dominated society, proving their worth and demanding equal recognition.
I hope we will get more books about the other women of the Paradise brothel in the future.
November 14, 2025
Very drawn out. Okay plot. All about female empowerment, but it got annoying.
This was my first time reading a book by this author. The book was okay. Some aspects were decent, but I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit. The main female characters were all strong, empowered, and entitled women. To me, they lost a lot of their femininity. They could do anything a man could do, put their foot down about this and that, demanded this and that, etc. It just got really old. I know some women may have been like that back then, but this was just excessive and unrealistic.
And, romance? What romance? It was a few conversations, ogling, and daydreaming. There was nothing that truly built the chemistry between them at all.
Overall, I had to force myself to repeatedly pick this book up because it was boring and drawn out. And, while some characters were a little interesting, they just didn't make me want to keep reading. And, the plot made it harder and harder to stay engaged, too. I may consider giving this author another try, but if all the books are written like this one, I will definitely pass.
This was my first time reading a book by this author. The book was okay. Some aspects were decent, but I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit. The main female characters were all strong, empowered, and entitled women. To me, they lost a lot of their femininity. They could do anything a man could do, put their foot down about this and that, demanded this and that, etc. It just got really old. I know some women may have been like that back then, but this was just excessive and unrealistic.
And, romance? What romance? It was a few conversations, ogling, and daydreaming. There was nothing that truly built the chemistry between them at all.
Overall, I had to force myself to repeatedly pick this book up because it was boring and drawn out. And, while some characters were a little interesting, they just didn't make me want to keep reading. And, the plot made it harder and harder to stay engaged, too. I may consider giving this author another try, but if all the books are written like this one, I will definitely pass.
February 10, 2025
The Paradise Petition returns Carolyn Brown’s fans to 1883 with a story about the early efforts of women to have even minimal equal rights. The story is populated with some interesting, often surprising characters that illustrate how difficult it was for women to have legal protection, own property, travel without a male escort (family member or husband), and if married basically have control over any aspects of their lives or those of their children. That word OBEY in the marriage vows was taken very seriously by males. Of course, most of Autrie’s females feel outrage and their protest actions make this a very good book. This reviewer especially appreciated the contrast that Ms. Brown made between the public face versus the private face of many female characters. Readers of an older age certainly can identify with some of the struggles since we still faced discrimination even though the late 1970s. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews