Taming Lady Temperance

By Karen Witemeyer

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764244736
• ISBN13: 9780764244735
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Riveting Western Read!

After a tumultuous upbringing, Noreen O'Sullivan has a heart for the temperance movement. An engaging story, with endearing characters that you can cheer for throughout. I liked how James admires Noreen's courage to stand up for what she believes, and how they both take the time to understand each other's points of view. James is a fair and reasonable deputy, taking care of the town with grace and plenty of patience. This book really has it all, likable characters, faith, humor, and romance. I liked getting to know a few of the other local "spinsters" as well. A full cast of characters in a lively small western town, full of faith, great tension and relationship building, with a lot going on. I liked how the author thoughtfully dealt with the issue of alcohol abuse, and the temperance movement. A riveting western read, and start to a what is sure to be a fantastic new series. I loved James, Noreen, and all the ladies in the Society of Spinsters, it was such a fun read, with great dialogue, interaction, and stirring characters arcs. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.