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The Secret Society of Spinsters #1
Taming Lady Temperance
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 09:11:35
10 copies available
U.S. only
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.
Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.
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.
Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 17, 2026
15 people are currently reading
3031 people want to read
About the author
Karen Witemeyer
69 books4,350 followersFor those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.
Karen also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.
Karen also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 3, 2026
5 stars!
I absolutely loved this witty, sprightly story of a spinster and a lawman and what happens when Noreen gets just a bit too enthusiastic about her pet project, Prohibition and Temperance pledges. She’s got good reason from a traumatic past to feel as she dos, but is she putting her pet crusades before God and others?
This is classic Karen Witemeyer at her best. I wanted to jump in the pages to be personal friends to both James and Noreen and to at least half the town. I’m so excited about this new series and don’t want to wait months to return to the spinsters and their possible beaux.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
I absolutely loved this witty, sprightly story of a spinster and a lawman and what happens when Noreen gets just a bit too enthusiastic about her pet project, Prohibition and Temperance pledges. She’s got good reason from a traumatic past to feel as she dos, but is she putting her pet crusades before God and others?
This is classic Karen Witemeyer at her best. I wanted to jump in the pages to be personal friends to both James and Noreen and to at least half the town. I’m so excited about this new series and don’t want to wait months to return to the spinsters and their possible beaux.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
January 15, 2026
The Secret Society of Spinsters series is off to a promising start with this captivating, inspiring Western romance offering. The story revolves around spunky, passionate yet vulnerable temperance reformer Noreen O'Sullivan and dedicated, honorable deputy James Paxton. The imaginatively crafted cast of characters also includes an engaging sisterhood of devoted, supportive spinsters seeking to make their community of Albany, Texas, a better place to live. The fast-moving, expertly plotted storyline, with emotional depth and just the right mix of lighthearted and heartrending moments, kept me reading expectantly to see what happened next. As always Ms. Witemeyer captures the atmosphere and the distinctive flavor of the Old West with immersive detail. I felt like I was there witnessing the action first-hand. I enjoyed the slow-building, challenging opposites-attract-romance. I greatly appreciate the strong faith thread with encouraging themes of forgiveness, God's faithfulness and sovereignty, and how He works all things for good. This is an exceptional Western romance read, and I highly recommend it!
I read an early copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read an early copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this start to Karen Witmeyer’s newest series, The Secret Society of Spinsters! Taming Lady Temperance takes on a more serious tone than most of Witemeyer’s other stories, however there is a good balance with lightheartedness and romance. James is such a swoony hero, and although Noreen’s personality is quite different from mine, she grew on me and I ultimately related to her more than I expected. I’ve already connected with a few side characters whose stories I hope are forthcoming. Definitely add this one to your TBR! 4.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 16, 2025
I am always eager to try new series by the fabulous historical western fiction writer Karen Witemeyer. It's a "sight unseen" relationship with her at this point. If she writes it, I'll read it. LOL. I also love spinster stories. :)
The lead character in this novel is Noreen. A zealous, passionate fire-brand when it comes to the Temperance movement. She is determined to close down the saloon in her town at ALL costs. But no one knows the true deep reason as to why.
I loved seeing her grow as a character through her friendship with the deputy. As she experiences true kindness from a man who doesn't try to silence or stifle her. Respect. And in turn that helps tone down her zeal and help it become constructive for her desires regarding the temperance movement.
I love the secret sisters society and I imagine her two friends will be next in the series! :)
Also great messages of faith on forgiveness.
4 Stars
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are 100% my own.
The lead character in this novel is Noreen. A zealous, passionate fire-brand when it comes to the Temperance movement. She is determined to close down the saloon in her town at ALL costs. But no one knows the true deep reason as to why.
I loved seeing her grow as a character through her friendship with the deputy. As she experiences true kindness from a man who doesn't try to silence or stifle her. Respect. And in turn that helps tone down her zeal and help it become constructive for her desires regarding the temperance movement.
I love the secret sisters society and I imagine her two friends will be next in the series! :)
Also great messages of faith on forgiveness.
4 Stars
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are 100% my own.
February 3, 2026
(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I love Karen Witemeyer books, so I’m thrilled to have a new series by her to look forward to!
Noreen O’Sullivan is a woman on a mission: a mission to turn her town into a dry town. Noreen has been personally hurt by alcohol abuse in her family and this sets her on a path to leading a prohibition movement. James Paxton, the town deputy, would love to avoid getting involved and choosing sides, but ultimately as the story progresses, he finds himself more and more involved…with the temperance movement and with Noreen!
This story was really cute. It took me a bit to get into, but I felt that things really took off in the second half of the book. There’s a bit of suspense and mystery in this story and though I did figure out the mystery early on, I still really enjoyed watching the events unfold and James and Noreen work together. I really enjoy an opposites-attract-romance and this was a wonderful example of that!
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
I love Karen Witemeyer books, so I’m thrilled to have a new series by her to look forward to!
Noreen O’Sullivan is a woman on a mission: a mission to turn her town into a dry town. Noreen has been personally hurt by alcohol abuse in her family and this sets her on a path to leading a prohibition movement. James Paxton, the town deputy, would love to avoid getting involved and choosing sides, but ultimately as the story progresses, he finds himself more and more involved…with the temperance movement and with Noreen!
This story was really cute. It took me a bit to get into, but I felt that things really took off in the second half of the book. There’s a bit of suspense and mystery in this story and though I did figure out the mystery early on, I still really enjoyed watching the events unfold and James and Noreen work together. I really enjoy an opposites-attract-romance and this was a wonderful example of that!
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow! This book is fantastic! The storyline is engaging and informative.
The characters are well written and easy to like (for the most part). I really connected with Noreen. She is a lot like me! Her passion towards temperance often gets her into trouble but it doesn't deter her from speaking her mind. When her past is revealed, the hurt and abuse that she suffered; it makes perfect sense that she is so adamant about the ills of alcohol. James is swoon-worthy with a capital S! He is proud to serve as a deputy for Albany, Texas. His passion for justice, protection and peace is apparent. I absolutely adore Luella, Jane and Martha! Their steadfast and loyal friendship helps Noreen to be found innocent of "crimes."
The main issue that is addressed in this book is alcoholism. An important issue for sure. This horrible disease runs through both sides of my family tree. Noreen was certainly impacted negatively by her father's alcoholism. Poor Luella almost didn't live because of her father's alcoholism. It's sad that in the late 1800's, women almost had no way to escape their husbands abuse. Thankfully that has changed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the ARC from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are well written and easy to like (for the most part). I really connected with Noreen. She is a lot like me! Her passion towards temperance often gets her into trouble but it doesn't deter her from speaking her mind. When her past is revealed, the hurt and abuse that she suffered; it makes perfect sense that she is so adamant about the ills of alcohol. James is swoon-worthy with a capital S! He is proud to serve as a deputy for Albany, Texas. His passion for justice, protection and peace is apparent. I absolutely adore Luella, Jane and Martha! Their steadfast and loyal friendship helps Noreen to be found innocent of "crimes."
The main issue that is addressed in this book is alcoholism. An important issue for sure. This horrible disease runs through both sides of my family tree. Noreen was certainly impacted negatively by her father's alcoholism. Poor Luella almost didn't live because of her father's alcoholism. It's sad that in the late 1800's, women almost had no way to escape their husbands abuse. Thankfully that has changed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the ARC from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2026
Noreen is part of the temperance movement for prohibition. Her deceased father was a bad drunk and became abusive. She is willing to go up against anyone. She is even is no longer welcome at her Stepfather and mother’s house because of her actions. She enlists the help of local law enforcement. The Deputy, James, is drawn to Noreen but he also has to make sure he keeps law and order and no one is above the law.
I enjoyed this story! I loved Noreen character. She has a lot of spunk. And she is really brave. And has strong beliefs. James is a great character. I loved how he did his job properly while making sure justice was served. I liked watching Noreen and James get together. Good Christian content. Overall a good story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this story! I loved Noreen character. She has a lot of spunk. And she is really brave. And has strong beliefs. James is a great character. I loved how he did his job properly while making sure justice was served. I liked watching Noreen and James get together. Good Christian content. Overall a good story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 20, 2025
Im going to be honest here and say I don't much care for this author's books but this story was fantastic!. This author has succeeded in ripping my heart out in certain places geezer! Very wonderfully done
I took the law into my own hands, and I broke it. Those actions come with a price, and that price must be paid." From Noreen herself. This character is continuing to amaze me with each turning of these pages in this book. Noreen is the strongest woman and yet I admire her for her flaws too.
Her subject in this book is heartbreaking. I must say I held my breath in some places too. Waiting to see what she would do next. Noreen didn't disappoint. I found myself rooting for her all the way through.
Here's another good quote
“Never let ’em see ya riled. A lawman’s gotta keep control of his gun, his mind, and his words at all times.” from one of the deputy “Can’t keep the peace when you ain’t got none within yerself.”
James point of view.
I grew to love him too.
This is one of the best Whitmeyer books that I've read in a very long time. I simply couldn't put it down and now Im sad that's I devoured it so quickly!
My how go9d stories go so fast around here!!
I really loved the cover too. In my opinion, it fits the story inside rather nicely.
I will say that I couldn't stand Mr. Taggart or Luella's father. I wanted to reach through the pages and punch their lights out myself lol.
This will be on my shelf of favorites for 2025. In fact it ready is. Im glad that Netgalley keeps a list for me.
5.stars for a job well done! Nicely written.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I took the law into my own hands, and I broke it. Those actions come with a price, and that price must be paid." From Noreen herself. This character is continuing to amaze me with each turning of these pages in this book. Noreen is the strongest woman and yet I admire her for her flaws too.
Her subject in this book is heartbreaking. I must say I held my breath in some places too. Waiting to see what she would do next. Noreen didn't disappoint. I found myself rooting for her all the way through.
Here's another good quote
“Never let ’em see ya riled. A lawman’s gotta keep control of his gun, his mind, and his words at all times.” from one of the deputy “Can’t keep the peace when you ain’t got none within yerself.”
James point of view.
I grew to love him too.
This is one of the best Whitmeyer books that I've read in a very long time. I simply couldn't put it down and now Im sad that's I devoured it so quickly!
My how go9d stories go so fast around here!!
I really loved the cover too. In my opinion, it fits the story inside rather nicely.
I will say that I couldn't stand Mr. Taggart or Luella's father. I wanted to reach through the pages and punch their lights out myself lol.
This will be on my shelf of favorites for 2025. In fact it ready is. Im glad that Netgalley keeps a list for me.
5.stars for a job well done! Nicely written.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
While this new series seems to take a somewhat more serious tone than previous ones from this author, it is still nonetheless fantastic! The characters are developed well and the passion they have is palpable. I confess that my favorite in this book was James Paxton, the deputy! While I enjoyed the main character, Noreen O'Sullivan, I still found James intriguing and identified with him a lot. He is a lot like me so I felt a kinship with him! In the beginning, you wouldn't think he and Noreen had anything in common but by the end, they were the perfect couple for each other!
Noreen feels she will always be a spinster as she is completely dedicated to the cause of Temperance and can't see a man being trustworthy enough to love her "to the end of her days always and forever." We don't know up front what is in her past but when we find out, it is heartbreaking. She is a fire brand and is outspoken on the ills of alcohol. She will do all she can to shut down the local saloon. James and others throughout the story teach her how to get her message across in more kind & loving ways. It was a great lesson for all of us as we interact with people in sharing different messages that we are passionate about!
James was such a good lawman. I loved how he supported Noreen all the time yet was very cognizant of being trustworthy, law abiding and good at his job in the community. He always followed the law but stood by each member of the community, including Noreen! Such a good example! I enjoyed this book so much and look forward to reading the next one in the series!
Noreen feels she will always be a spinster as she is completely dedicated to the cause of Temperance and can't see a man being trustworthy enough to love her "to the end of her days always and forever." We don't know up front what is in her past but when we find out, it is heartbreaking. She is a fire brand and is outspoken on the ills of alcohol. She will do all she can to shut down the local saloon. James and others throughout the story teach her how to get her message across in more kind & loving ways. It was a great lesson for all of us as we interact with people in sharing different messages that we are passionate about!
James was such a good lawman. I loved how he supported Noreen all the time yet was very cognizant of being trustworthy, law abiding and good at his job in the community. He always followed the law but stood by each member of the community, including Noreen! Such a good example! I enjoyed this book so much and look forward to reading the next one in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
"That man and his obnoxious charm. Good grief. She'd almost shared a smile with him."
Self declared independent woman, active member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and recent recruit to the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen O'Sullivan doesn't have time to be making eyes at the handsome deputy sheriff of Albany, Texas, who has just bodily removed her (very politely, of course) from her temperance campaign in front of the local saloon. If she was being honest with herself, it had probably been a good idea, since the proprietor of the Salt Fork Saloon was getting a bit, shall we say, "salty"?
Deputy James Paxton takes his job as keeper of the peace very seriously, but the sassy Miss O'Sullivan is as pretty as a picture and stubborn as a mule. If he can just convince her to go about her public campaigning a little differently, oh, who he is kidding?
When James is forced to make a tricky decision, he and the purpose driven Miss O'Sullivan end up spending some unexpected time together, forcing them both to rethink priorities. Will it be enough?
What did I love most about this book? Virtually everything. The clever setting, the sparks of instantaneous attraction, the extraordinary word flow (I read all but 50 pages in one sitting) the deep spiritual truths, and of course the wit! . . . always the wit!
A perfectly delightful and engaging western romance!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"That man and his obnoxious charm. Good grief. She'd almost shared a smile with him."
Self declared independent woman, active member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and recent recruit to the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen O'Sullivan doesn't have time to be making eyes at the handsome deputy sheriff of Albany, Texas, who has just bodily removed her (very politely, of course) from her temperance campaign in front of the local saloon. If she was being honest with herself, it had probably been a good idea, since the proprietor of the Salt Fork Saloon was getting a bit, shall we say, "salty"?
Deputy James Paxton takes his job as keeper of the peace very seriously, but the sassy Miss O'Sullivan is as pretty as a picture and stubborn as a mule. If he can just convince her to go about her public campaigning a little differently, oh, who he is kidding?
When James is forced to make a tricky decision, he and the purpose driven Miss O'Sullivan end up spending some unexpected time together, forcing them both to rethink priorities. Will it be enough?
What did I love most about this book? Virtually everything. The clever setting, the sparks of instantaneous attraction, the extraordinary word flow (I read all but 50 pages in one sitting) the deep spiritual truths, and of course the wit! . . . always the wit!
A perfectly delightful and engaging western romance!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
November 29, 2025
What stood out to me immediately about Taming Lady Temperance was its quieter confidence—it tells a deeper story without shouting for attention.
Temperance isn’t just a “spirited heroine” trope. She’s layered — principled, wounded, idealistic to a fault, and sometimes her own worst enemy. I appreciated that the author let her be messy without turning her into a caricature. She’s the kind of heroine who makes choices you can actually discuss, not just breeze past.
The romance works because it’s built on understanding and friction, not cutesy misunderstandings. The hero doesn’t bulldoze her or magically fix her life; he challenges her, supports her, and actually listens (a rare talent in some historical romances). Their dynamic has real emotional stakes, and when they finally start trusting each other, it feels genuinely earned.
If you like historical romances that aren’t stuffy, heroines with actual backbones, and a romance that feels earned, this is a really satisfying read.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.
Temperance isn’t just a “spirited heroine” trope. She’s layered — principled, wounded, idealistic to a fault, and sometimes her own worst enemy. I appreciated that the author let her be messy without turning her into a caricature. She’s the kind of heroine who makes choices you can actually discuss, not just breeze past.
The romance works because it’s built on understanding and friction, not cutesy misunderstandings. The hero doesn’t bulldoze her or magically fix her life; he challenges her, supports her, and actually listens (a rare talent in some historical romances). Their dynamic has real emotional stakes, and when they finally start trusting each other, it feels genuinely earned.
If you like historical romances that aren’t stuffy, heroines with actual backbones, and a romance that feels earned, this is a really satisfying read.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noreen O'Sullivan has had a frightful past. Her father took out his troubles on her. She had many injuries from his beating her. She really believed that men drinking alcohol caused the downfall of the family. She joined a group of ladies to influence them to join her in going to the local saloon and show her displeasure with this business.
Noreen came on strong, and as she realized by the leader of this woman's group and the local deputy, she needed to go about protesting differently. Her stepfather thought her behavior was causing him to lose business. He turned Noreen out of her family home. Her mother couldn't even stay in touch with her daughter.
A tragedy in the town made Noreen look guilty. The deputy was actively investigating this crime. The town's people were against Noreen, but the deputy believed her to be innocent.
I enjoy reading books written by Karen Witemeyer because she writes stories set in Texas. I am looking forward to the rest of this Spinsters series.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
Noreen came on strong, and as she realized by the leader of this woman's group and the local deputy, she needed to go about protesting differently. Her stepfather thought her behavior was causing him to lose business. He turned Noreen out of her family home. Her mother couldn't even stay in touch with her daughter.
A tragedy in the town made Noreen look guilty. The deputy was actively investigating this crime. The town's people were against Noreen, but the deputy believed her to be innocent.
I enjoy reading books written by Karen Witemeyer because she writes stories set in Texas. I am looking forward to the rest of this Spinsters series.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
December 3, 2025
Taming Lady Temperance was a wonderful western mystery/romance set in 1894 Albany, TX. I especially enjoyed Deputy James Paxton, who was beyond reproach when it came to the law. He was also kind, tender, and his budding romance with Noreen O'Sullivan was pleasant to watch develop. He has an incredibly keen mind for solving criminal mysteries.
Noreen is a survivor of abuse and therefore has zero tolerance for alcohol. At twenty-seven, she is invited into a secret society.
Very well written with plenty of faith moments.
Quoteable: "We chose forget-me-nots because we wanted an emblem signifying that you are not forgotten. Not overlooked. Not unappreciated. Each of us was created for a specific purpose, one not tied to marriage and the production of children. Our Lord has not forgotten us, and we will not forget each other."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley without expectation or compensation. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Expected Pub. 2/17/26
Read: 11/30-12/2/2025
📚2025 GoodReads Reading Challenge #217
Noreen is a survivor of abuse and therefore has zero tolerance for alcohol. At twenty-seven, she is invited into a secret society.
Very well written with plenty of faith moments.
Quoteable: "We chose forget-me-nots because we wanted an emblem signifying that you are not forgotten. Not overlooked. Not unappreciated. Each of us was created for a specific purpose, one not tied to marriage and the production of children. Our Lord has not forgotten us, and we will not forget each other."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley without expectation or compensation. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Expected Pub. 2/17/26
Read: 11/30-12/2/2025
📚2025 GoodReads Reading Challenge #217
December 2, 2025
Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer is a western romance, set in 1894, Albany Texas. The first of the Secret Society of Spinsters series.
Noreen O'Sullivan is a spark plug of a woman, whose goal is to exercise the prohibition of liquor. Her own early life has been affected by alcohol. It has become a personal fight to quell alcohol in the men of Albany.
James Paxton is the local deputy who seeks to keep the town under control. Trouble is, he cannot keep Noreen under any control. Until his heart sees all of her good qualities under her wounded angry and hurt cover.
The romance surfaces quietly and takes both Noreen and James by surprise as they wrestle with their feelings. Learning to trust and become humble. Faith based as they seek divine guidance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Noreen O'Sullivan is a spark plug of a woman, whose goal is to exercise the prohibition of liquor. Her own early life has been affected by alcohol. It has become a personal fight to quell alcohol in the men of Albany.
James Paxton is the local deputy who seeks to keep the town under control. Trouble is, he cannot keep Noreen under any control. Until his heart sees all of her good qualities under her wounded angry and hurt cover.
The romance surfaces quietly and takes both Noreen and James by surprise as they wrestle with their feelings. Learning to trust and become humble. Faith based as they seek divine guidance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read (and loved) every single one of Karen Witemeyer's books, so when I say that this one might be my favorite and that James Paxton might be my favorite hero out of all her books, it's high praise. I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was great, with a fast-pace, a mystery to solve, and of course, the love story between two wonderful characters. I loved Noreen. Her backstory tugged at my heart, and I can totally empathize with her passion for her cause and for said passion leading her to go about things in the wrong way sometimes. I also loved her willingness to learn and grow and change. And I completely adored James and how he quickly came to appreciate and then fall for Noreen for who she was. I loved how he supported her and encouraged her, rather than trying to change her. I also liked how he stuck to his principles and shared his faith as he supported her. This series is off to a great start--I am so excited to read the next books in this series.
This book easily got five stars from me, as well as a place on my Best Books of 2026 shelf.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book easily got five stars from me, as well as a place on my Best Books of 2026 shelf.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
I love Noreen O'Sullivan, such a spirited young women, with such a big heart for those in need. She now belongs to the Secret Society of Spinsters, and you have to wonder for how long with sparks flowing between her and the deputy sheriff.
Alcoholism is personal to her, she has experienced it early in her life, with her father, and has a personal vendetta against spirits. I love that this is a faith based read, and we deal with forgiveness, hard, but necessary.
There are a lot of surprises here, and it was a fun journey, but not easy. Those that are supposed to be there for you, seem to be the ones whom let you down.
I did love how things turned out here, and will be looking for more for this author, whom I know will give me a great read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Alcoholism is personal to her, she has experienced it early in her life, with her father, and has a personal vendetta against spirits. I love that this is a faith based read, and we deal with forgiveness, hard, but necessary.
There are a lot of surprises here, and it was a fun journey, but not easy. Those that are supposed to be there for you, seem to be the ones whom let you down.
I did love how things turned out here, and will be looking for more for this author, whom I know will give me a great read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A five-star, fabulous romp!
This is a fantastic, rivals-to-lovers story set in the wilds of the frontier. The sassy heroine Noreen is truly a character you want to root for, and the chemistry between her and our hero Deputy James is fabulous. (p.s. the hero literally had me giggling and kicking my feet)
I've read this author's books before, but this one tackled some heavier topics in an exquisite way. I also loved how the faith elements of this story were presented, contributed to the plot, and affected Noreen's growth as a character.
I am THRILLED that this is going to be the start of a series, because I'm going to want much, much more from this 'spinster' crew.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but no review was required, and these opinions are my own.
This is a fantastic, rivals-to-lovers story set in the wilds of the frontier. The sassy heroine Noreen is truly a character you want to root for, and the chemistry between her and our hero Deputy James is fabulous. (p.s. the hero literally had me giggling and kicking my feet)
I've read this author's books before, but this one tackled some heavier topics in an exquisite way. I also loved how the faith elements of this story were presented, contributed to the plot, and affected Noreen's growth as a character.
I am THRILLED that this is going to be the start of a series, because I'm going to want much, much more from this 'spinster' crew.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but no review was required, and these opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Taming Lady Temperace is a fun romp in the west in Texas with adorable characters and a storyline about suffrage for women and temperance. I get it. Poor Noreen was raised by an abusive alcoholic and didn't want anyone else in the town to go through what she and her mother went through. She is a feisty, and compassionate young lady. Sheriff James Paxton can't help but admire Noreen's enthusiasm and passion. There is fun banter, and shenanigans, as well as action, romance and a happily ever after. I highly recommend to history lovers of the old west.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
February 5, 2026
Happy sigh. There’s not much I enjoy more than opening a new Karen Witemeyer book for the first time. All her books instantly become favorites for me, and Taming Lady Temperance is no exception.
The character development in this story is so good. The more we find out about Noreen, the more we understand her. Her reactions to things are sometimes flawed, but they’re endearingly human and founded in trauma. I love the journey she takes in this story, how she comes to understand this about herself and how she’s able to learn from her mistakes and how her faith grows as she learns to let go and forgive. Much like James, I admired Noreen’s passion, amplified tenfold once I began to understand the layers to her story.
James is such a sweetheart. I admired his commitment to being impartial and fair despite his personal feelings. I also appreciated his natural detective skills and ability to assess situations. I loved how he loved Noreen, despite her resistance, despite her pushing him away, despite complications. I loved how honest he was with her and how he won her over bit by bit.
This story is everything I wanted it to be. Fantastic characters, a solid mystery, wonderful faith elements and character growth and self-discovery. I am so invested in the happily-ever-afters of these young spinsters and am looking forward to the rest of this series. Part of me wishes Witemeyer wrote faster, but the other part of me wouldn’t want to change any part of her process, because every offering is just so good.
Triggers- physical and psychological abuse, alcohol
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.
The character development in this story is so good. The more we find out about Noreen, the more we understand her. Her reactions to things are sometimes flawed, but they’re endearingly human and founded in trauma. I love the journey she takes in this story, how she comes to understand this about herself and how she’s able to learn from her mistakes and how her faith grows as she learns to let go and forgive. Much like James, I admired Noreen’s passion, amplified tenfold once I began to understand the layers to her story.
James is such a sweetheart. I admired his commitment to being impartial and fair despite his personal feelings. I also appreciated his natural detective skills and ability to assess situations. I loved how he loved Noreen, despite her resistance, despite her pushing him away, despite complications. I loved how honest he was with her and how he won her over bit by bit.
This story is everything I wanted it to be. Fantastic characters, a solid mystery, wonderful faith elements and character growth and self-discovery. I am so invested in the happily-ever-afters of these young spinsters and am looking forward to the rest of this series. Part of me wishes Witemeyer wrote faster, but the other part of me wouldn’t want to change any part of her process, because every offering is just so good.
Triggers- physical and psychological abuse, alcohol
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It took me longer than usual to care about these characters and the plot. As a teetotaler myself, I still found Noreen's singlemindedness against alcohol to be unrelatable, making for a slow start. I do understand her reasons for it, and it's all presented well though.
But as she grew, more twists were introduced, and faith became such a central part of the story, I became more engaged. I enjoyed meeting Noreen's friends, and I'm interested in them getting their own books. While this one didn't leap out as a favorite to me, it was still a decent read and I love the way Witemeyer writes faith stories.
But as she grew, more twists were introduced, and faith became such a central part of the story, I became more engaged. I enjoyed meeting Noreen's friends, and I'm interested in them getting their own books. While this one didn't leap out as a favorite to me, it was still a decent read and I love the way Witemeyer writes faith stories.
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